5 Reasons 2026 Will Be A Wild Ride, Likely Catching Investors By Surprise | Michael Lebowitz

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Dec 27, 2025

Michael Lebowitz, a portfolio manager and market commentator, dives into the tumultuous landscape of 2026. He highlights mid-term elections, potential Supreme Court tariff rulings, and rising concerns over the AI bubble as key destabilizers that could unsettle Wall Street. The discussion also delves into silver's surging demand and past market interventions, while emphasizing the importance of tailored hedging strategies for investors. With bond yields anticipated to fall and a volatile stock market on the horizon, Lebowitz advises on the potential benefits of active management.

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INSIGHT

Low VIX Now, Big Spikes Possible

2026 looks set for higher event-driven volatility despite low starting VIX.
Michael Lebowitz says optionality is cheap now and buying hedges makes sense.

INSIGHT

Silver Rally Has Familiar Boom‑Bust Risks

Silver's recent vertical move has both fundamental and speculative drivers.
Michael warns past price crushes followed CME margin rule changes and regulatory actions.

ADVICE

Hedge Rapid Precious‑Metals Gains

Hedge or take profits on rapid precious‑metals gains instead of staying naked long.
Consider puts on SLV, miners, or levered funds but expect high insurance costs.

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2025 started out with some market uncertainty. But once Liberation Day was past us, things rose pretty smoothly through the rest of the year.2026 is looking to be a much more wild ride.It's a mid-term election year. Tariffs may get struck down by the Supreme Court. Concerns about the AI bubble are growing. The yen carry trade may be in jeopardy.These are just a few of the destabilizers that could give Wall Street the yips in coming months.Portfolio manager Michael Lebowitz and I discuss the impact higher volatility could bring to stocks, as well as his outlook for the silver price, inflation, and bond yields. And as usual, he shares his firm's latest trades.For everything that mattered to markets this week, watch this video.

WORRIED ABOUT THE MARKET? SCHEDULE YOUR FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW with Thoughtful Money's endorsed financial advisors at https://www.thoughtfulmoney.com#silverprice #volatility #inflation _____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It’s important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer’s unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security’s or a firm’s past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.