Monthly Archives: December 2025

Episode 307 – How Shifting Markets Shape Investing with Bryan Sajjadi



Bryan Sajjadi, a Capital Market Strategist at Fidelity Investments, shares how Fidelity’s privately owned structure and long-term orientation influence the way investment decisions are made. He outlines how the firm’s global research platform—spanning equities, fixed income, sectors, and quantitative analysis—is designed to challenge assumptions, share perspectives, and provide a fuller picture of risk and opportunity across market cycles. Rather than relying on a single style or viewpoint, Sajjadi emphasizes the value of combining multiple disciplines to navigate changing market environments.

Sajjadi also discusses how Fidelity blends fundamental research with quantitative tools and emerging technologies to support portfolio decisions and risk awareness. He points to collaboration across asset classes, access to private markets, and long-standing company relationships as inputs that inform—not dictate—investment outcomes. Looking ahead, he frames the market outlook in practical terms, highlighting the need for selectivity, diversification, and flexibility as economic conditions evolve and dispersion across assets increases.

Resources: Portfolio Construction | Fidelity Institutional

Disclosures:

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Unless otherwise expressly disclosed to you in writing, the information provided in this material is for educational purposes only.

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Accordingly, nothing in this material constitutes impartial investment advice or advice in a fiduciary capacity, as defined or under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, both as amended.

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Information provided is general in nature. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or tax advice. Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market and other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

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Stock markets, especially foreign markets, are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Although the funds seek to beat the index, this is not guaranteed, and these funds may trail the index. Foreign securities are subject to interest rate, currency exchange rate, economic, and political risks.

In general, the bond market, especially foreign markets, are volatile, and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Fixed income securities carry interest rate risk [As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.]. Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk, liquidity risk, call risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Foreign securities are subject to interest rate, currency exchange rate, economic, and political risks, all of which may be magnified in emerging markets.

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Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. Investment decisions should be based on an individual’s own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.

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Episode 306 – The Importance of Place in Longevity Planning with Ryan Frederick



Ryan Frederick, founder of Here.life, explains why “place planning” is an increasingly important—but often overlooked—factor in long-term wellbeing and financial outcomes. He argues that where people live has a profound impact on health, relationships, purpose, and spending, yet these decisions are often made reactively or reduced to housing or financial decisions. By viewing place through four lenses—environment, health, community, and finances—Frederick shows how misalignment can quietly erode quality of life, while intentional planning can create clarity, especially as people navigate longer lives and major transitions.

Frederick also describes how structured place planning helps clients move past rigid “stay or move” thinking and consider multiple paths, including improving their current home, relocating, or incorporating extended travel. That broader view often surfaces hidden trade-offs and leads to more confident, durable decisions. For advisors, he notes that clients value having a framework to think through place before acting, strengthening trust and reinforcing the advisor’s role as a long-term partner in consequential life decisions.

To learn more about Here.life, join the Interest List: https://go.here.life/place-planning-for-orgs-interest-list

Power Your Advice podcasts are produced with support from Fidelity Investments. If you would like to learn more about Fidelity’s top performing mutual funds and ETFs for financial advisors visit i.fidelity.com/topfunds. The information and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speakers and do not reflect or represent Fidelity’s views, perspectives, or intellectual property.


Episode 305 – The Opportunities Investors Are Overlooking with Rob Arnott



Rob Arnott, Founder and Chairman of Research Affiliates, breaks down what he sees in today’s markets—from bubble-like pricing in some AI leaders to the behavioral traps that push investors toward the latest market fads. He emphasizes that advisors can add real value by countering the pull of popular narratives before they shape decisions. Arnott also points to the distortions created by cap-weighted index flows and why value may already be quietly turning as disruptors face fresh competition.

Looking ahead, Arnott sees far better long-term opportunities outside U.S. large-cap growth, especially in international and emerging markets, where starting valuations are much more attractive. He notes that smarter index design can help avoid unintentional trend-chasing while staying broadly diversified. And while he expects more volatility—and a higher chance of a bear market than usual—he reminds advisors that market pullbacks don’t hit everything equally. Undervalued areas can still lead, making discipline and fundamentals essential.

Resources: Research Affiliates

Power Your Advice podcasts are produced with support from Fidelity Investments. If you would like to learn more about Fidelity’s top performing mutual funds and ETFs for financial advisors visit i.fidelity.com/topfunds. The information and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speakers and do not reflect or represent Fidelity’s views, perspectives, or intellectual property.


Episode 304 – Navigating Today’s Complex Planning Environment with Carly Brooks



Carly Brooks, Senior Vice President of Advanced Sales at Crump Life Insurance Services, outlines how the firm is elevating advanced planning from a technical resource into a true strategic partnership for financial professionals. She highlights Crump’s scale and depth of expertise, and how that support helps advisors guide clearer, more confident conversations around protection, retirement, and legacy planning.

Brooks also breaks down the forces reshaping today’s planning environment—from historically high estate tax exemptions and renewed client willingness to act, to the Great Wealth Transfer and rising fiscal pressures. She explains why life insurance continues to play a central role in liquidity and long-term stability, and how trust design, income-tax planning, and business owner strategies are evolving in response. Looking ahead to 2026, she encourages advisors to take advantage of today’s favorable conditions and emphasizes Crump’s ability to help them navigate these complex, high-impact planning decisions.

Resources: Crump