Long Story Short Q&A Special: International Stocks, Tariffs, Volatility & What to Expect in 2026
The quarterly webinar live Q&A session covered the topics clients care about most right now. Adam and Andy spent 30 minutes answering questions on international investing, market volatility, tariffs, Bitcoin, gold, and what to expect in 2026.
International stocks dominated the questions. Clients wanted to know how Burney accesses these markets (through funds with on-the-ground analysts), whether the 20-30% allocation still makes sense (yes), and how tariffs affect international performance (April's selloff showed international stocks held up better than U.S. markets).
Volatility questions came next, triggered by the week's 2% down day. Andy provided benchmarks: expect dozens of 1-2% down days yearly, one 10% correction per year, and a 20% bear market every four to five years. Volatility isn't a warning sign. It's the cost of stock returns.
Bitcoin and gold both came up. Andy explained why crypto remains speculative despite the recent drop from $130,000 to $90,000 (multiple 90% drawdowns in its history). Gold's strong 2025 performance looks tempting, but it still fails portfolio optimization tests.
Adam tackled AI investment concerns, noting the strong earnings growth happening outside AI stocks. Tax changes from the Big Beautiful Bill got attention too. The new SALT caps and senior deductions are creating stimulus most people haven't noticed yet.
⏱️ Timestamps:
(00:35) Introduction to webinar Q&A format
(01:35) International investing strategies: Funds vs. individual stocks
(04:52) Are developed foreign markets better short-term investments?
(06:30) Tariffs and international performance: The April lesson
(08:38) Trump's Greenland threats: Distraction or market mover?
(10:29) Economic slowdowns in Russia & Iran
(11:46) Best way to access international stocks for 2026
(14:55) What to make of market volatility
(17:24) Yesterday's 2% selloff in perspective
(18:52) Is now a good time to invest in Bitcoin?
(20:52) Gold stocks soaring: Should you chase the trend?
(24:16) Tax changes in 2026 and market impact
(27:56) Why small caps lag large caps
(29:39) AI investment slowdown concerns
(33:13) First quarter 2026 expectations
(35:43) Podcast disclosures
Resources:
Follow Burney Wealth Management on LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/burneywealthmanagement
Follow Adam Newman on Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-newman-cfa-cfp%C2%AE-mst-ricp%C2%AE-cepa-48853916/
Follow Andy Pratt on LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/andyjpratt/
Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): What High Net Worth Families Need to Know | https://burneywealth.com/blog/understanding-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act
Have questions you want answered on the podcast? Email longstoryshort@burney.com.
#InternationalInvesting #MarketVolatility #TaxPlanning #Bitcoin #WealthManagement
The Burney Company is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Burney Wealth Management is a division of the Burney Company. Registration with the SEC or any state securities authority does not imply that Burney Company or any of its principals or employees possesses a particular level of skill or training in the investment advisory business or any other business. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as personalized investment advice or a recommendation.