At a glance
- InvestmentNews reported the results from the board's Fall 2026 CFP Professionals Sentiment Indices, released Tuesday.
- Planners' personal financial outlook fell to 52% positive, from 61% in summer 2026 and 54% a year earlier.
- Advisors were urging clients to stay disciplined and steering them toward year-end tax planning in the weeks before Tuesday's midterm elections, according to InvestmentNews.
Just 38% of clients hold a positive financial outlook, down from 50% in the summer, according to CFP professionals surveyed by CFP Board. InvestmentNews reported the results from the board's Fall 2026 CFP Professionals Sentiment Indices, released Tuesday. The board said client sentiment is at its lowest since spring 2025, citing global political instability and affordability concerns.
Planners' personal financial outlook fell to 52% positive, from 61% in summer 2026 and 54% a year earlier. On the US economy, 38% expect conditions to hold steady over the next year and 35% expect them to deteriorate. CFP Board said that pessimistic share is near the survey's two-year record of 36%, set last fall.
Advisors were urging clients to stay disciplined and steering them toward year-end tax planning in the weeks before Tuesday's midterm elections, according to InvestmentNews.
Client bases are still growing: 64% of planners said their client bases grew over the past year and 73% expect more growth in the next 12 months.
Clients and planners both turned gloomier this fall
Share reporting a positive financial outlook, summer 2026 vs. fall 2026 (%)
- Summer 2026
- Fall 2026
- Clients' outlook50% → 38%
- Planners' own outlook61% → 52%
Show as table
| Item | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clients' outlook | 50% | 38% | −12% |
| Planners' own outlook | 61% | 52% | −9% |
Reported by the RIA desk from InvestmentNews. Published . Corrections