Weekly Market Recap – April 13, 2026

Coming into 2026, investors were enthusiastic that fiscal stimulus from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), particularly larger income tax refunds, would boost growth. The good news is that we estimate the average income tax refund will increase by $400 from2025. However, there is some bad news. Energy prices are spiking due to the conflict in the Middle East. Regular retail gas prices have averaged $4.13 so far this month, up from$2.93 in February and $3.19 last April. This has raised concerns that higher gas prices could offset larger income tax refunds.