If you’ve been watching the markets lately, you’ve likely noticed more movement than usual.
In the first quarter of 2026, markets pulled back and volatility increased. Much of this has been driven by rising geopolitical tension, particularly involving Iran, which has pushed oil prices higher and added uncertainty around inflation and interest rates.
But here’s an important question to ask: Is this unusual?
Markets have navigated wars, oil shocks, and geopolitical crises before. In many cases, these events create short-term volatility but over time, markets have historically recovered and continued to grow. That doesn’t make the experience comfortable, but it does provide perspective.
In the video below, we walk through how markets have reacted to conflicts like this and what history can teach us.
What this means for you
Moments like these can feel unsettling, but they’re also a normal part of investing. It’s why we believe a thoughtful plan should expect volatility, not be surprised by it.
The focus remains the same: having a clear, intentional strategy designed to navigate both stable and uncertain environments.
As always, if you have questions or would like to talk through your situation, we’re here to help.
The “Alterra” name was coined by joining the Latin roots “alter”, the origin of the word “altruism” with “terra” meaning earth or land. This name reflects the company philosophy of “clients before profits” and providing firmly grounded advice.
