By Tim Russell (President & Wealth Manager) at Life Financial Group
Originally shared on the Life in the Markets podcast — 4/27/2026

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Market Update for April 27, 2026

How Concerned Should We Be About Inflation?

On the market front, we continue to see slow but steady progress. Over the past week, markets have largely held onto recent gains, but concerns about inflation continue to weigh on sentiment. We’re in the middle of earnings season, and many companies are highlighting ongoing challenges, particularly rising energy costs, and the potential impact on near-term performance.

So how should we think about investing in this kind of environment?

The honest answer is: we don’t know exactly how bad inflation will get or how long it will last. What we do know is that companies are taking it seriously and markets are reacting accordingly. The danger, however, is this: if we take our cues from public comparisons, we risk building long-term plans based on short-term fears. There’s no certainty about how long oil prices will remain elevated. But if you believe, as I do, that energy prices will eventually normalize, then the long-term effects of today’s inflation pressures may prove to be temporary.

Bottom line: don’t let a 90-day business cycle dictate lifelong investment decisions.

Earnings reports can give us insight into the current state of the economy, but they cannot predict the long-term impact of short-term disruptions. Don’t allow short-term thinking to drive long-term strategy.

A Stewardship Perspective

As Christians, we are called to be investors and to steward resources wisely over time. That means thinking in terms of years and decades, not quarters. Long-term thinking is biblical wisdom.

You might be thinking, “I don’t have a long-term horizon.” Maybe you feel like you’re in the later stages of life.

That’s understandable. But the truth is, we don’t know how much time the Lord has given us. Wisdom calls us to steward well in every season, balancing long-term thinking with appropriate risk.

Even in your later years, thoughtful, long-term stewardship still matters.

Schedule a free meeting with our team to make sure your investments are on track and working for your future.

Another Assassination Attempt

By now, many have seen the news: a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Thankfully, Cole Tomas Allen was stopped by security, and there were no fatalities. Reports indicate he held strong anti-Trump and anti-Christian views, believing his actions were justified.

The bottom line is this: ideas have consequences.

If someone begins with the belief that there is no God, or that God is unconcerned with human actions, then nearly anything can be justified in their mind. While it’s true that evil has been committed in the name of religion, history also shows that secular ideologies have produced devastating consequences on a massive scale.

We still don’t know all of Allen’s motivations, and more may come to light over time. But what we do know is sobering: he believed violence against others was morally justified. That is a deeply broken view of reality. This is a reminder to be discerning, especially when it comes to what shapes our thinking and the thinking of our children. Are we being trained to take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ?

We are living in serious times. May Christ have mercy on our nation, bring revival, and raise up faithful ministers who boldly proclaim the full counsel of God.

Verse of the Week

2 Corinthians 10:5
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Since ideas have consequences, make sure your thinking is shaped and tested by the Word of God.

Stay Connected

Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Email us at contact@thelifegroup.org with “Life in the Markets” in the subject line.

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Disclaimer: The topics discussed here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute specific investment advice. Investing involves risks, including potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Securities and advisory services offered through Geneos Wealth Management, member FINRA/SIPC.