Advisor Market Sentiment Declined in September 2026

The Wealth Management Advisor Sentiment Index fell to 115 last month amid concerns about high equity valuations.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Isometric editorial illustration of a balance scale tipping between a heavy steel sphere and a stack of gold cubes. — The Wealth Management Advisor Sentiment Index fell to 115 in September 2026, marking a 12% decline from the peak recorded in May. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel optimistic about the direction of the national economy over the next year?

In September 2026, the Wealth Management Advisor Sentiment Index for stock markets dropped three points to 115. This figure marks a decline of 12% from the record high achieved in May 2026.

Why it matters

Advisors expressed mixed feelings regarding current market health, citing strong corporate profitability against concerns that stocks are trading at historically high multiples.

The stock market index reached 115 in September 2026, a 3-point monthly drop, while the broader economic sentiment index rose 4 points to 106. Currently, 10% of advisors report a negative view of market performance.

The players

Wealth Management

This organization provides industry news and analysis for financial advisory professionals.

Informa Engage

This firm specializes in data collection, marketing services, and research for the B2B sector.

The details

While the stock index dipped, 41% of surveyed advisors described the current economy as positive, and 42% viewed it as average. Survey data was collected between September 1 and September 30, 2026, by Wealth Management and Informa Engage.

May 2026: The index reached an all-time high.
September 1-30, 2026: Data was collected for the monthly survey.
Next six months: 34% of advisors expect market improvement.
Next 12 months: 41% of advisors expect market improvement.

Macro View

This decline follows a period of record-high optimism seen earlier in the year, mirroring historical shifts where bullish sentiment cools after extended bull market runs. The current trajectory suggests advisors are balancing long-term growth expectations against immediate valuation risks.

The shift in professional sentiment may signal that financial planners are becoming more cautious regarding portfolio allocations for clients. This could lead to defensive adjustments in investment strategies as advisors weigh the risks of overvalued equities.

The takeaway

Advisors remain cautiously optimistic for the long term, with over 40% expecting improvement over the next year despite current market fluctuations. Investors should focus on long-term diversification rather than reacting to short-term shifts in sentiment indexes.