The Week in Review: March 2, 2026
Navigating Volatility
Over the weekend, global markets were shaken by significant geopolitical developments, as the US and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Iran responded with missile strikes, which escalated tensions and heightened uncertainty in global markets.
Therefore, it’s not surprising to observe volatility during the early stages of a conflict that could endure for an indefinite period. A short-term risk-off move that pressures stocks but includes gains in safe-haven assets, along with higher oil prices, is to be expected.
In moments like these, it’s natural to feel uneasy.
Headlines are dramatic, markets react quickly, and uncertainty can make even seasoned investors uncomfortable.
But here’s what we want to emphasize:
Market volatility is normal during a geopolitical crisis
Market behavior in response to geopolitical events often follows a familiar pattern: a reaction—which can sometimes be sharp—a rise in volatility, and then a reset as investors attempt to price in the economic impact at home.
The key: how will a geopolitical event impact the broader US economy?
In the immediate aftermath of significant events, markets often stabilize more quickly than expected.
Your financial plan and volatility
We design portfolios with the understanding that unforeseen events, including geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, and policy changes, will occur.
Your plan incorporates diversification, risk management, and long-term strategy to help reduce risk and weather periods of turbulence.
Staying invested remains the most reliable long-term approach
Times like these can tempt investors to make quick, emotion-driven moves. But historically, reacting to headlines has often led to worse long-term outcomes than sticking with the plan.
Markets have absorbed wars, recessions, pandemics, political crises, and unexpected global shocks, and long-term investors have historically been rewarded for their patience.
We are monitoring developments closely
While we don’t recommend making investment decisions based on short-term news or emotions, we continuously monitor the situation, the market response, and any potential implications for your portfolio.
If market conditions shift in a way that warrants action, we will communicate proactively.
Final Thoughts
Events unfolding in the Middle East are serious, and markets may remain volatile in the coming days. But volatility alone is not a reason to abandon a well-constructed financial plan.
As always, we encourage you to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or simply want to talk through what this means for your personal financial goals. We’re here to provide clarity, perspective, and guidance, especially when the news feels overwhelming.
We get through moments like these by staying disciplined, thoughtful, and focused on what we can control.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Warmest Regards,
Bill Stordahl, CFP®
Managing Director
Stordahl Capital Management
A Weekly Perspective on Planning and Markets
Each week, we share The Week in Review — a short collection of articles on
financial planning and wealth management, along with a brief overview for context.
One email per week. No promotions, no sales – just clarity.
Stordahl Capital Management, Inc is a Registered Investment Adviser. This commentary is solely for informational purposes and reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of Stordahl Capital Management, Inc. and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services or performance returns of any SCM Clients. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this piece constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Stordahl Capital Management and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Stordahl Capital Management unless a client service agreement is in place. Stordahl Capital Management, Inc provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers or industry-related material. Accessing websites through links directs you away from our website. Stordahl Capital Management is not responsible for errors or omissions in the material on third-party websites and does not necessarily approve of or endorse the information provided. Users who gain access to third-party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from the use of those websites. Please note that trading instructions through email, fax, or voicemail will not be taken. Your identity and timely retrieval of instructions cannot be guaranteed. Stordahl Capital Management, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.