Every time the S&P 500 hits a record, investors wonder how their own accounts measure up. But the S&P 500 covers only two of Dave Ramsey's four categories — Growth and Growth & Income — leaving out Aggressive Growth and International entirely. Comparing four categories to two isn't a scorecard; it's a recipe for frustration. Here's what's happening beneath the headlines in small caps, value stocks, and international markets, and why owning all four still matters.

Small-cap investing isn’t what it used to be. With private equity fueling growth before companies ever hit the public markets, true small-cap opportunities are shrinking. At Whitaker-Myers, we define Aggressive Growth as both mid-cap and small-cap stocks—splitting exposure to capture resilient names like Invesco and Smithfield Foods while still positioning for a small-cap rebound, which research partner Tom Lee believes may be just around the corner.

Tariffs can greatly impact investments, and Dave Ramsey’s four categories—Growth, Growth & Income, Aggressive Growth, and International—respond differently. Growth stocks may be hit hardest, while Aggressive Growth and International companies may benefit. Diversifying across all four can help reduce risk. Understanding these effects with the help of a financial advisor can guide smarter investing in uncertain times.

The Santa Claus Rally sounds great, right?! The Jolly Saint Nick comes to town, bringing little Johnny a nice new toy and simultaneously...

There's inherent risk in the stock market. The stock market has highs and lows, but how can you measure your investment portfolio?