What to do with all the market uncertainty
| |  | | March 13, 2026 | | | | | | | | Your Defensive Playbook: Manage Uncertainty With Confidence | | | By Helen Reis
When news cycles are dominated by war and daunting market headlines, we feel vulnerable. The pressure on stocks, new inflation threats, and an unreliable job market are unsettling — and we don't know what's ahead.
But even though you can't control the Middle East, gas prices, or the next Fed move, you can pivot. From mastering your cash cushion to outmaneuvering potential interest rate hikes, these practical moves can help you feel less exposed and be ready for whatever is thrown your way. | | | | | | | | Your SoFi Toolkit | | Unsure where your money goes? SoFi's budget planner can now track over 100 spending categories. Just connect your accounts. | | | | | | | | |   | | Rising Risks and the Urge to Freak Out | We're in week two of conflict in the Middle East. The stock market has been understandably on edge, with most S&P 500 sectors in the red over the past week and groups such as Materials, Consumer Durables, and Transportation taking a particularly rough beating. Even Consumer Staples, a typically defensive sector, has been hit due to the expectation of higher energy costs.
Periods like this are incredibly uncomfortable and impossible to predict. Although we can't know when or how this ends, we can consider whether or not it's time to reevaluate our investment stance. | | | | | | | | | | Bitcoin Has Been Here Before | | | | The Bitcoin pullback of 2026 is just the latest swing in a market known for dramatic ups and downs. A look back at the price history shows how volatile the path has been. | | | | | | | | Stagflation | | | | | Stagflation is a combination of stagnant economic growth, high inflation, and steep unemployment. It's a counterintuitive mix because inflation is more typical when the economy is growing and unemployment is low. With stagflation, it's the worst of all worlds.
Fears of stagflation crystallized when the latest monthly jobs report signaled inflation from the recent surge in oil prices isn't the only major economic headwind. The U.S. unexpectedly lost jobs in February, effectively wiping away any growth over the past nine months.
Those old enough to remember know stagflation was a big deal in the 1970s. While the circumstances are different, the combined pressures are weighing on the stock market. | | | | | | | | | Informed investment decisions start with informed investors. Here's what's making headlines:
🛒 A new lawsuit alleges Costco (COST) owes its customers refunds now that the Supreme Court has deemed many of last year's tariffs unlawful. Customers have filed similar suits against FedEx (FDX) and United Parcel Service (UPS). (The Wall Street Journal)
🌩️ Atlassian (TEAM), the maker of Jira and Trello tools, announced it was laying off about 10% of its workforce — roughly 1,600 positions — in an AI-driven pivot. Fears that AI will make the company's software obsolete have eroded more than half its market value this year. (The Guardian)
🥋 Clinching a years-long pursuit of its rival uniform supplier, Cintas (CTAS) said it would buy UniFirst (UNF) in a $5.5 billion cash-and-stock deal. The combined entity will supply about 1.5 million North American businesses. (Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance) | | | | | | |  | | When it comes to your retirement savings, relying on index funds may no longer be enough. (Moneywise) | | | | | | | | | | | Intel, insights, and inspo for your money. | | On the Money cuts through the noise of day‑to‑day financial news to bring you a more thoughtful point of view on what's important in this moment — and how it impacts your bottom line. We value your trust above all. | | | | | | | | | | Did you find today's newsletter valuable? | | | | |
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