Carter Griffin, a global investment strategist at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, has released three portfolio-move investing tips for the second half of 2026.

These recommendations come as investors face conflicting market signals and the need to adjust asset allocations to meet changing economic conditions.

Griffin said the guidance through a J.P. Morgan Wealth Management video distributed via the Chase “The Know” platform. The advice encourages investors to refresh their portfolios to ensure they remain aligned with their financial goals as the year progresses.

Market performance leading into this period has been a point of contention among analysts. Some data indicates a strong bullish environment, with the S&P 500 gaining 9.6% [1] during the first two quarters of 2026. This growth suggests a resilient market heading into the second half of the year.

However, other reports present a more cautious outlook. Some analysis suggests the broad market peaked on Jan. 27, 2026, and subsequently fell more than nine percent [2]. This volatility has led some experts to advise investors to dial back risk exposure.

The timing of these adjustments is critical, as the second half of the 2026 calendar year officially began in early July [3]. Griffin's approach emphasizes the importance of active management rather than passive holding during periods of shifting sentiment.

While the J.P. Morgan guidance focuses on strategic moves, the broader financial landscape remains divided. The discrepancy between the reported 9.6% gain [1] and the reported nine percent decline from the January peak [2] highlights the complexity of current market valuations. Investors are tasked with navigating these contradictions while determining whether to maintain aggressive growth strategies, or pivot toward capital preservation.

“Investors are encouraged to refresh their portfolios as market conditions evolve.”

The conflicting data regarding 2026 market performance—showing both a significant year-to-date gain and a sharp correction from a January peak—suggests a high-volatility environment. Griffin's call for portfolio refreshes reflects a broader institutional trend toward tactical asset allocation, where investors move away from static portfolios to mitigate risk during uncertain economic transitions.