Reflecting on 2025: Financial Trends, Market Lessons, and Momentum for 2026
As the year winds down, many financial advisors are pausing to reflect on what 2025 brought to the markets and how it has shaped their clients’ lives and portfolios. It’s been a year of highs and lows: from shifting interest rate policies and persistent inflation to surprising market rallies and renewed emphasis on advisor-client trust. In this year-end edition of Midweek Momentum, we take a thematic look back at the major financial and economic trends of 2025. We’ll explore how these trends affected advisors and wealth management professionals, especially those serving upper–middle-class and affluent clients across North America. More importantly, we’ll distill lessons and practical insights to help you hit the ground running in 2026.
2025 proved that change is the only constant in finance. Yet amidst the uncertainty, advisors who stayed agile and client-focused found opportunities to deepen relationships and guide clients toward their goals. Let’s dive into the core themes: interest rates, inflation, market volatility, trust, asset class performance, and client behavior; and see how each played out over the past 12 months, both in Canada and globally. Further, what they mean for your advisory practice moving forward.
Interest Rates: From Rapid Hikes to a Policy Pivot
One of the biggest stories of 2025 was the pivot in monetary policy. After the aggressive rate hikes of 2022–2023 to combat inflation, central banks finally shifted course. The year began with interest rates at their highest levels in over a decade, putting pressure on borrowers and cooling economic growth. But by mid-to-late 2025, signs of economic softening and improved inflation data prompted policymakers to ease off the brakes.
In Canada, the Bank of Canada cut its overnight rate twice in the fall, bringing it down to 2.25% by October [1][2]. After the October cut, Governor Macklem signaled that “the current policy rate is about the right level” to maintain low inflation while supporting growth [2]. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve also began trimming rates. By December, a third consecutive 0.25% rate cut was highly anticipated [3]: a remarkable turn after the frantic tightening cycle. Even with U.S. inflation still above the 2% target, the Fed felt confident enough in cooling price pressures to cautiously start easing [3].
For financial advisors, this policy pivot had immediate and practical implications. The rising rate environment of prior years had already forced portfolio adjustments: more conservative asset allocations, shorter bond durations, and increased use of cash equivalents to capitalize on high yields. As 2025 progressed, the conversation shifted. Advisors began discussing refinancing opportunities for clients’ debts and mortgages as rates edged lower. Those who had positioned bond portfolios for an eventual decline in rates saw total returns improve, with bond prices getting a boost as yields fell. Meanwhile, clients holding excess cash in high-interest savings or GICs enjoyed the best yields in years: a reminder that “5% is back” and that even low-risk assets can meaningfully contribute to income now.
However, the rate cuts also came with a note of caution: central banks stressed they were “proceeding carefully in a foggy environment” [4]. Both the Fed and the BoC made clear that if inflation remained sticky, they would pause further easing. The onus is on advisors to keep an eye on central bank signals in 2026 as policy direction can change quickly. Going into the new year, make sure your clients understand how future rate moves (up or down) could affect their borrowing costs, bond portfolios, and overall financial plans. Many investors admit they need guidance here; in fact, one survey found only 3% of investors truly understand what rate cuts mean for their bonds [5]. This is a prime opportunity for education and proactive outreach.
Inflation: Easing from Peaks but Still in the Picture
Inflation dominated headlines in recent years, and although 2025 brought relief, it didn’t quite bring repose. After the multi-decade high inflation of 2022, price pressures gradually cooled through 2024 and into 2025 as interest rate hikes took effect. By this year’s end, headline inflation in many countries had retreated closer to normal levels, but it remained slightly above central bank comfort zones. Policymakers and investors continued to keep a wary eye on the inflation dragon, lest it awaken again.
Surveys showed that inflation was still the top concern for investors throughout 2025[6]. In Natixis Investment Managers’ global poll, 50% of investors cited rising prices as their number-one investment worry, and 51% said it was their biggest financial fear[6]. This anxiety is understandable; even moderate inflation eats into real returns and can upend carefully crafted retirement plans if not accounted for. Advisors likely found themselves frequently discussing the cost of living, adjusting financial plans for higher expenses, and reassuring clients that their portfolios included assets (like real return bonds, equities, or real assets) that can help hedge against inflation over time.
The good news is that inflation did moderate. Central banks’ actions helped global price growth decelerate. The International Monetary Fund noted that worldwide inflation continued to decline in 2025, projecting further easing into 2026 [7]. Canada saw inflation trend downward into the low-single digits, a far cry from the ~8% peaks earlier in the decade. The U.S. also made progress, though core inflation proved stickier than hoped. By late 2025, U.S. core PCE inflation was still running in the mid-3% range, indicating price growth “stubbornly above 3%” on core measures [8]. In its October outlook, the IMF warned that inflation would likely remain “above target in the United States” through 2026 [7]. In other words, we’re not fully out of the woods yet.
For advisors, the lesson of 2025 is to stay vigilant on inflation. After a year of improvement, it might be tempting for clients to think the inflation issue is “solved.” But prudent planning means incorporating conservative inflation assumptions for long-term projections and emphasizing real (after-inflation) returns in portfolio discussions. Clients will continue looking to you for guidance on preserving purchasing power. This year was a chance to reinforce fundamentals: ensure retirees have adequate inflation-indexed income, review the role of assets like real estate or commodities in diversifying inflation risk, and remind clients that some inflation is normal, but it must be planned for. Advisors who kept these conversations front and center have helped their clients feel more prepared and less anxious. In fact, clients who work with an advisor often feel more secure; surveys show 91% of investors trust their advisor’s guidance more than their own judgment on financial decisions [9]. By proactively addressing inflation and adjusting plans, you’ve continued to earn that trust in 2025.
Market Volatility and Surprises: Navigating an Uncertain Climate
Markets in 2025 delivered a mix of steady gains and sudden jolts, keeping both investors and advisors on their toes. Overall, the year was positive for many asset classes (more on that shortly), but it certainly did not follow a straight line upward. Periodic bouts of volatility reminded everyone that uncertainty is ever-present, whether stemming from economic data, policy drama, or geopolitical events.
One notable curveball came in the fall, when the U.S. experienced its longest-ever federal government shutdown, lasting a record 43 days [10]. This unprecedented shutdown (triggered by fiscal gridlock) temporarily halted key economic data releases and cast a cloud over markets. Even after the government reopened in mid-November, investors were left grappling with what the missing data and lost output meant for growth. Stocks, which had rallied strongly through the first ten months of the year, took a breather in November amid the murkier outlook [10]. Global equities eked out only modest gains that month, as ambiguous economic signals and uncertainty about Federal Reserve policy weighed on sentiment [10]. In other words, markets hate uncertainty, and for a few weeks, uncertainty reigned. Advisors had to field questions from clients about scary headlines like “Government Shutdown” and reassure them that such events, while disruptive, are usually temporary detours rather than fundamental threats to their long-term plans.
Another surprise theme was trade policy turbulence. In spring 2025, a so-called “Liberation Day” tariff package in the U.S. sparked a brief “tariff tantrum” in markets [11]. The U.S. introduced new tariffs (or allowed certain trade measures to lapse), leading to volatility in sectors exposed to global trade and stoking inflation fears due to potential price impacts. The IMF noted that by October, some extremes of those higher tariffs had been tempered by subsequent deals, but the episode contributed to a “landscape marked by greater protectionism and fragmentation” [12]. For Canadian investors and advisors, U.S. trade policy isn’t just a distant news item; it directly affects the Canadian outlook. We saw that in 2025: export-focused industries and business confidence in Canada wavered when U.S.-China and U.S.-Canada trade tensions flared. GDP growth forecasts for Canada were trimmed in part because U.S. trade uncertainty weighed on exports [13][14]. The takeaway: in our globalized economy, Washington’s decisions reverberate in Winnipeg and Waterloo. Advisors should stay tuned to trade developments and be ready to explain to clients how macro policy shifts can trickle down to their portfolios (e.g. impacting commodity prices, manufacturing stocks, or inflation on imported goods).
Through all this volatility, client psychology was a critical factor. Interestingly, while markets often rebounded quickly from each scare, many investors were left feeling cautious. A sizable share of individuals reported feeling “investing has become harder” after the roller coaster of the past couple years [15]. Nearly one-quarter of investors even said they’d “given up” trying to figure out what to do next, and 21% were “getting out while [they] still could” in early 2025’s surveys [16]. Such sentiments underscore the value of a steady advisor hand. When some clients are tempted to abandon their strategy due to scary news, your guidance can keep them from making emotional mistakes. Advisors who proactively reached out during volatile weeks; for instance, explaining that a government shutdown, while concerning, was likely temporary and already priced into the market, helped clients stick to their long-term plans and perhaps even capitalize on short-term volatility (e.g. tax-loss harvesting opportunities or buying quality assets at a discount).
In the end, 2025’s market story was one of resilience through uncertainty. Even with the late-year wobble, major indices finished the year with healthy gains, and many clients saw their portfolios grow. The experience has reinforced some familiar lessons: stay diversified, avoid panic selling, and keep focused on the long term. Those boring adages proved their worth yet again. By guiding clients through the noise, advisors strengthened trust and demonstrated the real value of advice: not just in picking investments, but in coaching clients through emotional terrain. As one veteran advisor quipped, “half of our job is being a behavioral coach.” In 2025, that role was as important as ever.
Asset Class Scorecard: Equities, Bonds, and Real Estate in 2025
From an asset perspective, 2025 was a year where diversification paid off. Different asset classes had their moments in the sun, and prudent investors who stayed balanced generally came out ahead. Let’s look at how the major categories (equities, fixed income, and real estate) performed and what that meant for advisors managing portfolios:
Equities – A Strong Year (With a Few Twists): Stocks globally notched solid gains in 2025, extending the rebound that began after the 2022 market downturn. In fact, Canadian equities had a stellar year: by November, the S&P/TSX Composite Index was up almost 22% year-to-date [17], and it went on to reach new record highs by December. The rally was driven by Canada’s heavyweight sectors like energy, mining, and financials [17], which benefited from rising commodity prices and a generally positive economic backdrop. South of the border, the U.S. stock market also advanced robustly. The S&P 500 rode on strong corporate earnings (particularly from big technology and AI-related companies) to deliver double-digit returns. During the third quarter alone, the S&P 500 jumped over 10% [18], thanks to an impressive earnings season and growing hopes that the Fed would cut rates sooner than later. (Indeed, 81% of S&P 500 companies beat earnings estimates in Q3 [19], a testament to corporate resilience.) However, U.S. equities did experience an interesting rotation late in the year: after tech stocks led the charge for months, investors got more valuation-conscious in Q4. November saw technology become the worst-performing sector, as lofty AI-driven valuations met some profit-taking [20][21]. Defensive sectors and value stocks outperformed growth stocks toward year-end [22][21]. For advisors, this served as a reminder not to chase trends blindly. Even the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants aren’t immune to normal market digestion. A diversified equity exposure (including some value and international stocks) helped smooth out the ride. Notably, European and Japanese equities quietly had decent years as well, aided by favorable currency moves and economic surprises, respectively. Overall, equity performance in 2025 was much kinder to portfolios than the turbulence of a couple years ago. Many clients saw their stock holdings grow substantially, which provided a welcome confidence boost. Advisors may have used this as a chance to rebalance portfolios; trimming back overweight positions that had run up (e.g. trimming tech or energy gains) to realign with targets and ensuring clients don’t become over-exposed to any single sector or region as we head into 2026.
Fixed Income – The Return of Yield: After the bond market carnage of 2022 (when interest rates spiked and bond prices plunged), 2025 was the year bonds made a comeback in investors’ hearts. The story of fixed income can be summed up in one word: yield. Entering 2025, yields on government and investment-grade bonds were at levels not seen in over 15 years: finally offering “income” in fixed income. For example, 10-year government bond yields in the U.S. and Canada hovered around the 4–5% range for much of the year [23], meaning investors could earn a reasonable coupon without stretching into risky territory. This drew many previously jaded investors back into the bond market. As the year progressed and central banks began to signal rate cuts, bonds enjoyed price appreciation on top of yield. Broad bond indices posted positive total returns for 2025, a relief after the prior year’s losses. Short-term bond funds yielded solid mid-single-digit returns, and longer-duration bonds even notched high-single to low-double-digit gains as falling yields boosted their prices [24]. One Morningstar report highlighted that Q3 saw U.S. Treasury indexes up ~1.5% and municipal bonds up over 3% [24], reflecting the improving sentiment. For advisors, an important development was that the 60/40 portfolio worked again, with both stocks and bonds contributing to gains. The pain of 2022 (when stocks and bonds fell together) gave way to a more typical pattern where bonds provided ballast on days when equities wobbled, and delivered steady income throughout. Clients nearing or in retirement especially welcomed the higher interest income. Many advisors revisited bond allocations, ensuring that clients were taking advantage of these higher yields in line with their risk profile (for example, by locking in some long-term yields for liability matching, or using ladders of GICs and bonds). By year-end, as rate cuts started, one emerging conversation was duration: should we extend duration now to lock in yields before they possibly fall more in 2026? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s a key strategic question for fixed income positioning going forward. After 2025, one thing is clear. Bonds are back, and they’ve reclaimed an important role in balancing risk and return for client portfolios.
Real Estate – Resilience and Regional Divergence: Real estate markets had a challenging but illuminating year in 2025. High interest rates in early 2025 meant higher mortgage costs, which continued to cool housing activity from the frenzied pandemic highs. However, as borrowing costs peaked and then started to inch down in the latter part of the year, we saw glimmers of life in some property markets. In Canada, the story was very region-specific. Expensive markets like Toronto remained soft: home prices in the Greater Toronto Area drifted about 5–6% lower compared to a year ago [25], and sales volumes in the fall were still well below pre-pandemic norms [26]. Ample inventory gave buyers the upper hand, and many would-be buyers remained on the sidelines, citing poor affordability and economic uncertainty [27]. On the other hand, some markets showed resilience or even modest gains. Montreal’s housing market, for instance, continued a gradual recovery that started in 2023; by late 2025, median prices for single-detached homes in Montreal were up ~5.8% year-over-year [28], thanks to tight supply and steady demand. Priced-out buyers in expensive cities also looked to more affordable regions, bolstering markets in parts of the Prairies and Atlantic Canada. Commercial real estate faced headwinds (e.g. higher cap rates pressuring valuations, and the ongoing remote work trend challenging office demand), but quality properties in sectors like industrial and multi-family housing held their value. Importantly, interest rate movements had a direct influence: when the Bank of Canada cut rates in the fall, many analysts predicted it would “draw buyers from the sidelines” heading into 2026 [27]. Indeed, by November we saw home resale activity tick up in cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal as soon as mortgage rates eased a bit [29][30]. Advisors serving affluent clients often deal with real estate in two ways: as part of the client’s investment portfolio (e.g. REITs, rental properties) and as part of their personal balance sheet (primary residence, vacation homes). In 2025, advisors needed to counsel patience and prudence. For investment real estate, higher financing costs meant it was a year to be selective and focus on quality properties with solid cash flows. For personal real estate, some clients took the rate peak as an opportunity to pay down debt, while others saw the soft market as a chance to finally move up into a bigger home (especially if they had locked in a low-rate mortgage earlier). As 2026 approaches, the outlook for real estate is cautiously optimistic: if rates continue to fall gradually, housing demand should pick up, but affordability will remain a critical issue. Advising clients here means helping them balance real estate goals with overall financial well-being; for example, ensuring that a home upgrade doesn’t derail retirement savings, or discussing diversification if a client’s net worth is heavily tied up in property. The key is keeping real estate in context as one part of the total wealth picture.
Advisor-Client Trust: The Bedrock in Turbulent Times
In an ever-changing financial landscape, one thing that must remain rock-solid is trust. The trust between advisors and clients was both tested and strengthened in 2025. With so much happening, including inflation fears, market gyrations, and economic uncertainty, clients leaned heavily on their advisors for guidance. And overwhelmingly, advisors rose to the occasion.
Surveys this year underscored just how much investors value and trust their financial advisors. In one global investor study, an astonishing 91% of respondents said they trust their advisor’s advice more than their own instincts when it comes to financial decisions [9]. That is a powerful affirmation of the advisor’s role. These clients aren’t just outsourcing stock picking; they are placing trust in us to understand their unique situations and act in their best interest. It’s notable, too, that what clients most value in the relationship is an advisor who “takes the time to understand them” as individuals [9]. Especially for affluent and high-net-worth clients, cookie-cutter service won’t cut it: they expect personalized insight and a holistic understanding of their goals and concerns.
Of course, trust is hard won and easily lost. Another survey found that 72% of investors consider trust the single most important factor when choosing an advisor [31], and if that trust is broken, it’s the number one reason they would switch advisors (even more than poor investment performance) [31]. This is a stark reminder that ethical lapses, lack of transparency, or even poor communication can be devastating to an advisory practice. In 2025, maintaining trust meant communicating proactively and with empathy. Advisors who were in frequent contact (not just when markets were up, but especially during the challenging moments) likely saw their client relationships deepen. Something as simple as a quick call or email during a volatile week (“I know you might be seeing the news; here’s what it means for us, and here’s our plan…”) goes a long way in proving to clients that you’re on top of things and truly care.
Another aspect of trust in 2025 was demonstrating value beyond portfolio returns. With markets delivering good returns this year, even a do-nothing approach would have left many clients better off. But advisors justified their fees by adding value in other ways: tax planning, estate planning, risk management, and being a sounding board for client concerns. Many advisors helped clients tune out the noise and avoid behavioral mistakes, which can arguably add more to a client’s wealth trajectory than a few extra basis points of return. Vanguard’s research famously calls this the “advisor alpha,” and 2025 gave advisors plenty of chances to provide that alpha in the form of peace of mind. In conversations with clients, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor and coach (not just an investment picker) is increasingly key. Clients are seeking a sense of security and partnership. As one industry study noted, more than two-thirds of clients (around 70%) say that today’s instability has them worried about their finances, and they want an advisor who can guide them comprehensively, not just trade stocks [32][33].
For your practice heading into 2026, consider what more you can do to build and reinforce trust. Are you being fully transparent about fees and performance? Are you initiating important (and sometimes tough) conversations, like reviewing insurance coverage or discussing estate plans, that show you truly have the client’s entire well-being in mind? And importantly, are you keeping your promises; even small ones, like sending that follow-up report when you said you would? Consistency builds credibility. The warm, professional, and client-centric tone that East Coast Coaching emphasizes is exactly what wins client loyalty over time. In a world where technology is automating many services, the human trust factor is an advisor’s competitive moat. This year has proven again that when trust is strong, clients feel comfortable and stick to their plans, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for them and a thriving business for you.
Evolving Client Behavior and Expectations
Clients’ needs and expectations don’t stand still. They evolve with the times, and 2025 provided clear evidence of that. Serving affluent and upper-middle-class clients today means adapting to changing behaviors, preferences, and knowledge levels. What were some notable client trends this year?
Firstly, many clients grew more cautious and knowledge-seeking. The wild events of recent years (a pandemic, inflation surge, market swings) have left a psychological imprint. By early 2025, only 35% of investors believed the previous stock market rally would continue unabated [11], and a significant number voiced a sense of being overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next [16]. This “age of diminished expectations,” as one report called it, means clients are hungry for guidance. They are not necessarily bearish; in fact, most still expect solid long-term returns. However, they recognize the environment is more challenging now. We see this in the rising interest in financial education: clients are asking more questions, wanting to understand not just what moves you recommend but why. They are also placing greater emphasis on financial planning and stability. For example, demand for retirement income planning, tax efficiency, and risk management discussions was high in 2025. Advisors who can speak to these holistic concerns (rather than only investment picks) have been winning the confidence of clients. It’s telling that in a Natixis survey, investors said they highly value advisors who go beyond portfolio management to help with things like retirement planning and setting up a comprehensive financial roadmap [33].
Secondly, client communication preferences are shifting, largely along generational lines. Established clients (Boomers and many Gen X) still appreciate the personal touch: phone calls, in-person meetings, and detailed PDF reports are familiar and comforting. But younger affluent clients (Millennials and younger Gen X) are increasingly digital-first. A 2025 investor engagement survey found that while traditional reports remain common, younger investors show a growing preference for interactive, real-time digital tools to view their finances [34]. They love dashboards that let them see performance, projections, and progress toward goals at a glance. They also want education integrated into the experience; for instance, explanatory videos or calculators that help them test scenarios. This doesn’t mean the human element is less important (even young clients rank trust and personal connection very highly), but it does mean advisors may need to modernize their communication toolkit. If you haven’t already, consider adopting user-friendly financial planning software or client portals that provide on-demand information. Being able to meet clients on the platforms they prefer, whether that’s a Zoom video meeting, a chat message to answer a quick question, or a collaborative online planning session, will set you apart. The goal is to enhance the client experience without losing the personal touch. Many firms are finding that a hybrid approach (mixing digital tools with periodic personal outreach) works best to keep all generations of clients engaged and satisfied.
Lastly, client loyalty is increasingly tied to the value they feel beyond just investment returns. Upper-middle-class and affluent clients have plenty of options, including robo-advisors and low-cost platforms. What keeps them loyal to a human advisor is the relationship and the results that matter to them. In 2025, we saw that personalized service is non-negotiable: a full 90% of investors prefer tailored investment proposals customized to their situation, as opposed to one-size-fits-all models [35]. They also want to feel empowered: many younger wealthy clients express that they want an advisor who educates them and involves them in the planning, not someone who just says “leave it all to me” [35]. Advisors should view this as an invitation to deepen engagement. For example, some advisors this year started hosting small educational webinars or economic updates for clients, which have been well-received. Others have begun sending brief video message summaries after quarterly reviews, recapping in plain language what was discussed and what’s next. These efforts resonate with clients who want to stay in the loop and feel part of the process. The theme is clear: client behavior is trending towards more collaboration and higher expectations of service quality. Meeting those expectations requires us to be continually improving our skills, our tools, and our understanding of each client’s evolving life situation.
Year-End Reflections: Lessons and Planning for 2026
Standing on the cusp of a new year, it’s valuable for advisors and their teams to reflect on what 2025 taught us. This year’s experiences can be powerful fuel for making 2026 even better: for your clients, your practice, and your team. Here are some key lessons and takeaways from 2025, along with practical steps to consider as you plan ahead:
Embrace Active Communication and Education: In times of uncertainty, silence is not golden. Proactively reach out to clients during market events or economic changes to explain what’s happening and reaffirm their strategy. Educate them continuously: for instance, if interest rates are likely to change, discuss what that means for their bond portfolio or borrowing costs (remember that very few investors truly grasp these mechanics without guidance [5]). By being an educator, you empower clients and build deeper trust.
Revisit Asset Allocation and Diversification: The shifts in 2025, from rate cuts to sector rotations, underscore the importance of a well-diversified portfolio. Use year-end as a chance to review each client’s asset mix. Rebalance where needed to lock in 2025 gains and ensure the portfolio still aligns with the client’s risk tolerance and goals. Consider if the coming environment (e.g. possibly lower rates, still-present inflation, slower growth) warrants adjustments: maybe a bit more exposure to fixed income now that yields are attractive, or adding alternative assets as additional diversifiers. Diversification proved its worth this year; keep making it work for your clients.
Incorporate the New Interest Rate Reality: After a long period of ultra-low rates, we are in a different world. Even with recent cuts, rates are well above the near-zero levels of the 2010s. Clients can now earn decent low-risk returns on cash and bonds, which is a game-changer for things like emergency fund planning, short-term goals, and the fixed income role in portfolios. Ensure you’re leveraging tools like high-interest savings accounts, GIC ladders, and quality bonds to meet client needs for safety and income. At the same time, plan for how you’ll respond if rates continue to fall in 2026. Have a strategy for reinvesting maturing fixed income at potentially lower yields (e.g. maybe locking in some longer maturities now as a hedge). In short, align client portfolios with the new rate regime, and be ready to adjust if that regime shifts again.
Double-Down on Personalization and Planning: Clients in 2025 showed they expect personalized, high-touch service. This is actually an opportunity for you to differentiate. Going into 2026, look for ways to further tailor your approach. Can you segment your client base and refine service models (as you likely did during year-end reviews) to ensure each segment gets what they value most? For high-net-worth clients, maybe that means more frequent family wealth meetings or advanced tax planning. For busy professionals, maybe it’s providing a sleek digital dashboard with updates. Also, tie your advice into clients’ life events and goals at every turn. Make it clear you’re not just managing money; you’re helping them achieve what matters in life (be it a retirement home, a child’s education, philanthropy, etc.). Many investors admitted they crave clarity and confidence in this complex environment [32]. By delivering highly personalized financial plans and regularly revisiting them, you give clients that clarity for the road ahead.
Strengthen Team Alignment and Processes: If you work with a team or even just an assistant, use the year-end to reflect on your practice management. What went smoothly in 2025, and what caused friction? Perhaps you realized your onboarding process for new clients could be smoother, or your team’s meeting prep routine needs a refresh. Engaging in a year-end team planning session can be immensely helpful here. (In fact, East Coast Coaching offers a focused half-day facilitation exactly for this purpose: a structured session to review the year’s wins and challenges and set clear priorities for the next year [36].) Such planning not only identifies operational improvements but also ensures everyone on your team is aligned and motivated going into 2026. Consider booking a dedicated planning meeting where you summarize lessons learned and commit to 2–3 key practice improvements for 2026 (whether it’s adopting a new CRM feature, delegating more, scheduling regular team huddles, etc.). A well-oiled practice means better service for clients and less stress for you.
Leverage Professional Development and Coaching: One hallmark of top advisors is that they are always learning and improving. Reflect on your own skill gaps or bottlenecks that held your growth back in 2025. Did you feel time-crunched and disorganized at times? Maybe a refresher on time management techniques would help [38]. Were you satisfied with your new client growth? If not, perhaps invest in enhancing your marketing and sales skills: a structured sales mastery course could sharpen your prospecting and closing process [39]. And if you’re a senior advisor plateauing in growth, strategic coaching can provide the outside perspective needed to break through that ceiling [40]. The end of the year is a perfect moment to commit to personal development. Whether it’s enrolling in an online course, joining a peer study group, or engaging a coach, strengthening your capabilities will pay dividends in 2026 and beyond. East Coast Coaching specializes in exactly these areas of advisor development, and many successful advisors tap into such resources to elevate their practice. Remember, your business is only as strong as you are. Keep sharpening the “tools” you bring into client relationships.
As you integrate these lessons, don’t forget to celebrate how far you and your clients have come this year. 2025 asked a lot of advisors: to be economists, coaches, psychologists, and strategists all at once. You navigated rising and falling tides adeptly, and your clients are better off for it. Now, by carrying these insights into the new year, you’re positioning yourself to deliver even greater value.
Before we conclude, it’s worth emphasizing the importance of having a formal year-end reflection with your team (if you haven’t already). Many advisory teams find that setting aside a few hours in December or early January to review the year and plan ahead is invaluable. In such sessions, you can revisit your 2025 goals: Did you achieve them? What contributed to success or shortfalls? You can also set fresh 2026 goals: perhaps aiming for a certain percentage growth in AUM, a number of new clients, or improvements in client satisfaction scores. This process turns the abstract “lessons learned” into a concrete roadmap. If you need help facilitating this kind of strategic meeting, consider leveraging professional support. East Coast Coaching’s Year-End Team Planning Session offering, for example, was created for this need. We provide an expert-led, structured workshop to get your team aligned on next steps [41][42]. Whether you use an external facilitator or run it yourself, committing to a year-end review ritual is a hallmark of an elite, forward-looking practice. Clarity doesn’t magically appear in January; it’s built by the intentional work you do in December.
Conclusion: From 2025 to 2026 – Carrying Momentum Forward
In summary, 2025 will be remembered as a year of transition and resilience. We saw economies and markets transitioning from the emergency measures of prior years toward a more normal footing. Interest rates found a new equilibrium, inflation began to come to heel, and investors recalibrated their expectations. Through it all, the fundamental value of good financial advice was reaffirmed. Advisors helped clients navigate the cross-currents, make prudent adjustments, and stay focused on what truly matters. The result? Stronger client relationships and a foundation of trust that will carry us into 2026.
As you reflect on the year gone by, take pride in the positive impact you’ve had on your clients’ lives during both calm and storm. The lessons of 2025 about staying agile, communicating often, diversifying wisely, and planning proactively are the very tools that will help you thrive in the year ahead. Here at East Coast Coaching, we’re passionate about helping advisors like you turn these insights into action, whether through our courses, coaching sessions, or facilitated team planning meetings. Remember, every challenge faced is experience earned: and you now have a wealth of experience to propel you into 2026 with confidence.
Sources
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[2][3][4][13][18] BoC to leave interest rate unchanged after cuts in October and September - RBC Economics
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[5][6][9][11][15][16][32][33] 2025 Individual Investor Survey: Welcome to the age of diminished expectations
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[8][14] Five themes for the US economy in 2026 - RBC Economics
[10][19][20][21][22]Review of markets over November 2025 | J.P. Morgan Asset Management
[17] Canada's TSX closes slightly up on US shutdown relief, boost by energy, financials | Reuters
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[24] Bond Markets End Q3 on a High Note
https://www.morningstar.com/bonds/bond-markets-end-q3-high-note
[25][26][27][28][29][30] Buyers jump into Canada’s housing markets as 2025 draws to an end - RBC Economics
[31][34][35] 2025 Investor Engagement Survey | The best way to build client relationships - CapIntel
https://capintel.com/2025-investor-engagement-survey
[36][37][41][42] Year End Planning
https://eastcoastcoaching.com/year-end-planning
[38][39][40] Strategic Coaching for Financial Advisors | East Coast Coaching
