Dec. 15, 2025 4:44 AM ETS&P 500 Index (SP500), SPY, DJI, QQQ, IWM, IVV, VOO, NDX, DIADividend SeekerInvesting GroupCommentsSummaryMarkets delivered strong returns in 2025 for diversified investors sticking to core assets, with Tech and non-US equities outperforming.I maintain exposure to US large-cap Tech (VOO, QQQM) and European equities (FEZ, FLGB, SCHF), expecting continued momentum and value diversification.Despite bullish consensus for 2026, I urge caution — market expectations are high, valuations elevated, and select assets, like silver and high yield debt appear stretched.Short-term political shocks, such as tariffs, tend to be fleeting; long-term portfolio discipline and global diversification remain my guiding strategy.delihayat/iStock via Getty ImagesMain Thesis & BackgroundThe purpose of this article is to look back on 2025 and recap what worked, what didn't, and how readers may want to prepare for 2026. I enjoy writing these reflection articles each December, butMore on my IG serviceConsider the Income LabThis article was written byDividend Seeker9.39K FollowersI've worked in Financial Services since 2008 and that is essentially when I started my investment journey. The first half of my career was spent in New York, working professionally after college (BS - Finance and D1 Men's Tennis), but I have since relocated to North Carolina, obtaining my MBA and then working in the Banking sector. I am fortunate to split my time between Charlotte and Asheville.I keep my portfolio up-to-date and take pride in writing about funds, stocks, and sectors I actually follow and invest in. I believe my followers appreciate that approach.My strategy is to invest in quality and diversify, add at the right times, and focus on the long run. Chasing risk, trying to make too much too quickly, or following advice you don't understand are all pitfalls I made and that experience has taught me well. I hope to help others along the way as a result.Broad market: DIA, VOO, QQQM, RSPSectors/Non-US: XLE/IXC; IDU/BUI, FEZ, SCHF, EWC, FLGB, EWAAlternatives: Bitcoin, Gold, Silver (IAU & CEF)Stocks: JPM, MCD, WMT, FLUT, MAADebt: Municipal bonds from North CarolinaI also contribute to the investing group CEF/ETF Income Laboratory where I specialize in macro analysis. Features of CEF/ETF Income Laboratory include: managed income portfolios (targeting safe and reliable ~8% yields) making use of high-yield opportunities in the CEF and ETF fund space. These are geared toward both active and passive investors of all experience levels. The vast majority of holdings are also monthly-payers, for faster compounding and steady income streams. Other features include 24/7 chat, and trade alerts. Learn more.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of FEZ, SCHF, VOO, QQQ, DIA, RSP, IAU, CEF, FLGB either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.CommentsRecommended For You