February 2026 - Aspen Grove Outlook

Preparing for the Next Market Correction

Staying Positioned for the Long Term

As we move through the current market environment, I want to take a moment to share how we’re thinking about risk, opportunity, and what may lie ahead.

Market Corrections are Normal – and Expected

Markets rarely move in straight lines. Periods of strong performance are often followed — sometimes unexpectedly — by sharp corrections. While no one can predict the exact timing of these moves, history reminds us that they are a normal and recurring part of long-term investing. It’s entirely possible that we could see a meaningful market pullback at some point in the coming year.  Importantly, this is not something we fear — it’s something we prepare for.

Balancing Resilience Today with Growth for the Long Run

Your portfolio is intentionally structured to balance two critical realities. First, it must remain resilient during the periods of market stress. Second — and just as important — it must continue to grow over time to help offset inflation and support what could be a retirement lasting 25 to 30 years or more.

Why Equities Still Matter in Retirement

Warren Buffett once said:

“Inflation is the silent tax that eats away at purchasing power.”

Inflation is the risk that quietly compounds over time.  For that reason, equities remain an essential part of a well-designed retirement portfolio. While stocks can be volatile in the short term, history shows they are among the most effective tools for preserving purchasing power over long periods. Avoiding equities altogether may feel safer in the moment, but it increases the long-term risk of falling behind inflation.  That long-term perspective also informs how we manage shorter-term volatility. 

Turning Market Volatility into Opportunity

While market declines can test confidence — especially for those nearing retirement — they do not change the underlying plan. Your portfolios are intentionally positioned with flexibility. In select areas, we hold positions that can be selectively trimmed or rebalanced if markets decline, allowing us to redeploy capital into high-quality companies we admire but have been reluctant to buy at today’s prices — stocks that, quite frankly, “got away from us” during the market’s recent advance. 

Our focus remains on owning strong businesses, maintaining diversification, and making thoughtful adjustments—not reacting emotionally to headlines or short-term market moves.

A Steady Hand Through Market Cycles

As always, we will remain disciplined, proactive, and communicative. If volatility increases, you can expect us to focus on thoughtful adjustments rather than emotional reactions. And if you ever have questions about how market movements affect your specific situation, we encourage you to reach out.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. Our role is not to predict markets perfectly, but to help you navigate them wisely — through both calm periods and inevitable corrections.

Best,

Dave Crouch

CEO & Chief Investment Officer

Aspen Grove Asset Management

Disclosures:

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor."

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.

AGP Franklin, LLC ("AGP Franklin") is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where AGP Franklin and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.