Hello,

As we step into the new year, January offers a chance to reset, reflect, and look ahead with intention. This month’s newsletter brings together timely market perspectives and planning conversations designed to help you start the year grounded and informed.

In On Our Minds, we are sharing a new blog from Andrew Straus that explores the importance of legacy planning and the thoughtful steps families can take to protect what matters most across generations. You will also find two timely videos examining falling rents and home prices, as well as the growing role of dynamic pricing and what it could mean for consumers and investors alike.

We are also highlighting this month’s Market Lens and a Words of Wisdom feature from Joseph Barry, offering perspective as markets continue to evolve. And in Beyond the Desk, check out our annual Barry team holiday party, complete with high speed go kart racing, VR laser tag, and a great dinner to close out the year together.

If you have inquiries about the investment markets or your tailored wealth management strategy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Best Regards,

The Barry Team

ON OUR MINDS THIS MONTH

Barry Investment Advisor's founder, Joe Barry, provides you with a timely market update to illuminate your New Year!

Unlock the secrets to your family's financial future with innovative legacy planning strategies designed for lasting generational wealth.

The US rental market is sending a clear signal for 2026. After years of fast increases, rents are now falling in many major cities. According to CoStar, the country just recorded the steepest October rent decline in more than fifteen years. The trend also holds serious implications for home prices because rents and home values tend to move together.

Dynamic pricing is moving beyond airline tickets and ride sharing into everyday shopping. This article explores how algorithms are reshaping prices, competition, and consumer fairness, and why regulators are starting to take notice.

THIS MONTH'S MARKET LENS

Gold and commodities often rise together over time, but gold can move first when people worry money will lose purchasing power, and then other commodities tend to follow later as real world demand picks up.  If commodities catch up in 2026, factors like relatively cheaper commodity pricing, more investor money flowing into commodity funds, and supportive money conditions could help lift a wider range of commodities such as energy, metals, and agriculture.

WISDOM WORTH REPEATING

The following is associated with the historian Herodotus and the story of Polycrates' ring:

"The true sage knows that fortune, like the sea, never remains perfectly calm. After a record tide has lifted your ship, you must cast a measure of its cargo back into the depths, not as a loss, but as a sacrifice against the jealous Fates. To be too successful is dangerous; charity is the necessary ballast."

BEYOND THE DESK

The Barry team had a blast at this year's Holiday Party where we let loose our competitive sides with some high-speed go-kart racing and VR laser tag! 

The team also wrapped presents for My Brother's Keeper, a wonderful local charity that delivers food and furniture to families in need.

COMMENTS, COMPLIMENTS, & CRITIQUES

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