While the S&P 500 returned 16.4% in 2025, international markets surged ahead at 28.6%. A weakening dollar, stretched U.S. valuations, and growing concentration risk in the Magnificent 7 drove investors to look abroad. For those reviewing portfolios heading into 2026, the conditions that favored international equities haven't disappeared—and the case for global diversification remains as relevant as ever.

Q4 2025 in Review As we close out 2025, we reflect on a year marked by shifting market dynamics and evolving opportunities. In this letter, we break down fourth-quarter performance, examine the factors driving returns, and share our outlook for the year ahead. Inside: portfolio highlights, market commentary, and strategic positioning updates—all designed to keep you informed and confident in your investment journey.

We are honored to share that Opal Capital's Austin Graff, CFA, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, and Manav Shah, CFA, Lead Analyst, were featured in Wealth Management  magazine's highly anticipated 2026 Market Outlook issue. In their piece, "The Hidden Risk of Passive Investing," Austin and Manav explore the changing dynamics of large-cap technology stocks and what it means for portfolio construction: "Big technology stocks known as the 'hyperscalers' now make up nearly o

The S&P 500 has reached new highs, but the story beneath the surface is more complex. Seven companies now make up more than a third of the index's total market capitalization, and when you remove those names from the equation, the remaining 493 companies have largely underperformed. This level of concentration underscores a deeper risk for investors.

The investment landscape has shifted dramatically. Economists are describing the current environment as a "K-shaped economy," where affluent consumers continue spending freely while lower and middle-income households face mounting pressures from inflation and stagnant wages. For investors, this bifurcation demands a fundamental rethinking of which business models remain viable. The Dangerous Middle Ground At Opal Capital, we've been closely monitoring this divide and its impl

Recent fraud cases and bankruptcies at several regional banks triggered notable volatility this week, with the sector declining roughly 5%. Zions Bank reported $50 million in losses on allegedly fraudulent loans, while the bankruptcy of auto lender Tricolor Holdings left JPMorgan with $170 million in losses. These incidents highlight growing concerns about private credit (often called "shadow banking") where major banks extend loans to private entities with higher credit risk

With the S&P 500 at all-time highs and its dividend yield at a 25-year low of just 1.1%, many investors have written off income-producing stocks in 2025. But as Barron's discovered, there's a compelling story beneath the surface. Using FactSet data, Barron's identified 81 S&P 500 stocks that both outperformed the index with gains of at least 14% and maintained above-average dividend yields. This select group proves that investors don't have to choose between growth and income

Gold surged past $4,000 per ounce in early October, climbing nearly 50% since the start of 2025. It's the best year for gold since 1979, and investors are taking notice. What's Driving the Move? Central banks are buying aggressively.  Poland added over 60 metric tons in the year ending August, while China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan made substantial purchases. These institutional buyers are less price-sensitive and keep buying as prices rise, creating sustained upward

Opal portfolio managers Adam Muller and Yang Liu on why advisors can't afford to overlook global markets in 2025 For much of the past...

On August 20, 2025, our Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Austin Graff, joined Weaver Consulting Group for their Market Update...

The IPO market has roared back in 2025, with headlines full of triple digit pops reminiscent of the dotcom boom. Clients are asking about...

Economic data releases from Washington, such as the monthly jobs report, often make headlines and spark strong reactions. The recent...

At Opal Capital, we design strategies that help advisors and investors navigate uncertainty with  confidence. Recently, the Opal...

Opal Capital shares perspective following feature in a recent article by TrueShares We’re pleased to share that Opal Capital was recently...

Inflation may have moderated in recent reports, but that doesn’t mean investors can relax. While the Fed’s latest data shows inflation...

Boca Raton, FL – May 12 , 2025 – Opal Capital is pleased to announce the expansion of its leadership and investment teams with the...

We’re proud to share that the Opal Dividend Income ETF (DIVZ) has been recognized as one of the top-performing equity ETFs in the first...

At Opal Capital, we see dividend investing as more than chasing high yields—it’s about finding companies with sustainable, growing...