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Q4 2025 Market Update

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As 2025 came to a close, markets delivered a mixed finish but the broader story remained one of resilience and strength. While December brought short-term volatility, most major stock indices still ended the year with solid double-digit gains, supported by easing financial conditions and resilient corporate earnings. This Q4 2025 Market Update highlights the key drivers behind year-end market performance, notable economic trends, and what investors should consider moving forward. 

Read the full Market Update below to stay informed as we move through 2026.

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About Matt Held, CFP®

Matt Held, CFP®, is the lead advisor and a founding partner of Clarity Wealth Management, a boutique firm based in Cincinnati, OH. Since entering the industry in 2006, Matt has helped corporate executives, professionals, and business owners uncover opportunities and build long-term financial strategies. Driven by a desire to control his own future and create a lasting brand, Matt co-founded Clarity Wealth Management in 2012. His mission was to build a firm that would provide truly personalized guidance—and become a legacy for his own family. Today, Clarity serves about 100 households and focuses on helping clients simplify and navigate complex financial decisions, particularly those involving equity compensation, tax planning, and executive retirement Matt’s approach is rooted in trust, loyalty, and hard work. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, he is deeply committed to long-term relationships and believes that clarity doesn’t mean predicting the future, but having the confidence that your plan can handle whatever comes your way. Outside of work, Matt enjoys time with his wife, Abby, and their twins, Henry and Kinsley. Whether it’s watching sports (they love their Ohio State Buckeyes), hitting the slopes out West, or squeezing in a workout, he’s passionate about staying active and present. He’s also a proud graduate of Moeller High School and The Ohio State University. Matt holds Series 7 and 66 licenses, is licensed for health insurance, and earned his CFP® certification in 2012. He has been named a Five Star Wealth Manager in the Cincinnati area since 2013.* To learn more about Matt, connect with him on LinkedIn. *2013-2018 and 2020-2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2024 award was presented in September 2024 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

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Emily Miller
Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Emily earned a degree in finance from Miami University. After graduation, she spent 12 years in Charleston, South Carolina, working in compliance for a small broker-dealer. During that time, Emily obtained Series 7, 63, and 24 licenses, building a strong foundation in regulatory oversight and financial services.

Outside of work, Emily is a proud parent of three children, Reese (16), Parker (15), and Landon (11). A lifelong sports enthusiast, she enjoys watching games and attending live sporting events whenever possible. When it comes to favorite teams, The Ohio State Buckeyes top the list.

Courtney Greene
Client Services Director
Courtney joined the Clarity Wealth Management team in 2020 as a Client Services Specialist. After more than a decade of professional experience directing and managing a youth sports program, she brought a strong “people-first” mentality to our practice, which she applies to her work every day with Clarity Wealth Management.
Courtney excels in her role as office manager and in servicing our clients’ investment and insurance accounts. She’s also heavily involved in preparing meeting materials and assists our advisors with creating financial plans. Courtney loves helping clients find clear paths to their financial future and facilitating a top-notch client experience.
A Cincinnati native, Courtney enjoys hiking, baking, and game nights with her loved ones.
Matt Held, CFP®
Lead Advisor and Partner
Matt is the lead advisor and partner of Clarity Wealth Management. A native Cincinnatian, Matt takes extreme pride in this city and in the clients he works with every day. He began his financial planning career with Wachovia Securities Financial Network while attending The Ohio State University.
Matt has more than 19 years of experience working with corporate executives and young professionals looking to maximize the value of their financial resources and find better routes for their financial future. He values a collaborative approach so his clients have a guide for their journey with no opportunities overlooked.
Matt is currently Series 7 and 66 securities registered and is also licensed for health insurance. He obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in 2012 and has been named a Five-Star Wealth Manager in the Cincinnati area since 2013.*
*2013 – 2018, 2020 – 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2025 award was presented in September 2025 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 1789 advisors were considered, 191 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
Jay Finke, CFP®
Founder and Managing Partner
Jay is the founder and managing partner of Clarity Wealth Management. After graduating from Valparaiso University, Jay initially took the entrepreneurial route and built his first company. After later selling the business, his detailed and analytical approach led him to the world of financial planning.
Jay has extensive experience helping corporate executives and retirees make informed decisions around retirement timing, equity compensation, and legacy planning. He and his team created the Clear Path Process™, an innovative and personalized planning process that helps each client find clarity in their path to and through retirement.
Jay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and holds the FINRA Series 6, 63, and 7 registrations. He has extensive experience helping a wide range of clients, including corporate executives, retirees, professionals, business owners, and single females, who are looking for a guide to take them on a path to their financial future. He has been named and listed in Cincinnati Magazine as a Five-Star Wealth Manager in the Cincinnati Area since 2012.*
*2012 – 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2025 award was presented in September 2025 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 1789 advisors were considered, 191 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.