Tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have escalated following coordinated U.S.–Israel military strikes on Iranian strategic infrastructure, military compounds, and political leaders. While the situation remains fluid, the primary market implications center on energy prices, geopolitical risks, and broader Middle East stability. Below is an overview of potential capital market implications.
Acquisition reflects MCF Advisors’ intentional, culture-led approach to long-term advisor growth Lexington, Ky.— March 3, 2026 — MCF Advisors (“MCF”), a Kentucky-based registered investment adviser (“RIA”) serving families, business owners, and retirement plan sponsors, announced today that it has acquired Wealth Planning Corporation (“WPC”), a Cincinnati-based wealth management firm overseeing approximately $617 million in assets under management (“AUM”). The acquisition marks MCF’s expansion in the Greater Cincinnati market, further extending the firm’s regional footprint. WPC is known for its comprehensive, planning-led service model that supports clients and families across generations. The firm joins MCF with a team of nine experienced professionals, including WPC’s President, Todd Steinbrink, who joins MCF as Regional Director and Partner, and WPC’s Vice President of Operations and Relationship Management, Angela Dietrich, who joins MCF as Director of Client Service and Partner. Both leaders will remain actively involved with clients and the Cincinnati team, helping to ensure continuity across these relationships and day-to-day service provided to clients.
LEXINGTON, KY – MCF Advisors, LLC (MCF) is pleased to announce the promotions of two individuals within the firm. Timothy A. Gavin, MBA, CFP ®, will be expanding his role and has been named MCF’s Chief Strategy Officer. As CSO, Tim will be responsible for shaping, executing, and sustaining the long-term strategic direction of the firm.
I am not surprised with the three-year 80%+ gain of the US equity market (SP 500)! Corporate profits and labor productivity gains were fairly well forecasted in our outlook from early June of 2022: we stated that inflation was transitory rather than structural (CPI hit a 9% annualized rate in May of 2022) and that once the Federal Reserve started withdrawing the excess fuel and increasing the price of fuel (fuel being the money supply and interest rates being the cost of fuel) that inflation would start it’s descent to the 2-3% level. We made assumptions that the pressure of wage increases were going to subside, consumers and corporations were in great financial shape due to the massive amount of liquidity injected into the system, and that Government spending would likely stay excessive, all contributing to an the economy that had lots of positive support rather than believe what most economists said: “we are headed into a recession”. As we noted at that time, “this is the most predicted recession that will never happen.” Wow, was that last statement ever more right!!!
LEXINGTON, Ky. — December [15], 2025 — MCF Advisors LLC (“MCF”), a Kentucky-based registered investment adviser (“RIA”) serving families, business owners, and entrepreneurs, announced today that Accredited Wealth Management LLC (“AWM”), a Louisville, Ky.-based, fee-only RIA with $178 million in assets under management (“AUM”), has joined the firm. The acquisition expands MCF’s presence in Louisville and adds to its financial planning and investment management capabilities.
MCF is proud to announce that Andy Sathe, MBA, CLU, CFP®, Senior Financial Advisor and Partner, has been recognized as a 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager—his fourth consecutive year receiving this prestigious award.