By David Vomund

To no one’s surprise traders have been doing what traders do (trading) and taking profits or losses from time to time.  We saw a sell-off recently, mostly coming from last year’s winners.  It was not across the board.  Large energy stocks rose along with some healthcare companies, consumer staples, and utilities.  

The financial and general media are too focused on averages and indexes with their large daily moves that are featured on the evening news.  With more than a third of the S&P 500 comprised of technology stocks, those with a broader exposure can do well even when that index falls.  The S&P 500 is about unchanged in 2026 but mid-cap indexes are up 7.8 percent and small-cap indexes are up 8.9 percent.  

International markets are also strong.  The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF has jumped 9.2 percent in 2026.  Another low-fee choice is the Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY).  It yields 3.4 percent and has gained 5.5 percent this year.  

Energy stocks were setting all-time highs even as the price of crude was falling.  Expect more highs as the energy super cycle I’ve written about rolls along, fueled by the global demand for LNG and AI’s impact on demands for power and ways to generate and deliver it.

Recently the IEA raised its estimate of global demand for oil this year by 930,000 barrels a day due to economic growth.  The surge is due to massive demand growth, partly caused by the construction of power-hungry data centers from coast to coast and the impact of AI. 

This isn’t to say that solar isn’t needed.  It is, which explains the year-to-date return of 18 percent in the Invesco Solar ETF (TAN)!  The energy bull market comes as no surprise.  

Earnings growth is the market’s largest tailwind.  Expect 15 percent this year.  Number two. — the macro growth picture thanks to tax and business incentives that took effect in January and AI’s impact.  Earnings reports have been better than expected.  In fact, 80 percent of those S&P companies reporting have exceeded estimates.

In these articles I have explained the bull market.  Faced with potential positives and potential negatives I bet on the former.  Why?  Because the choice is not a coin flip.  There are millions of investors whose interest is best served if the well-known issues are resolved quickly and positively.  We are optimists.  Investors have to be.  There is never a large constituency for failure.

— David Vomund is an Incline Village-based fee-only money manager.  Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555.  Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.

Originally published in Lake Tahoe This Week, 2/14/2026, Written by Kirsten Alexis

Have you recognized any familiar faces in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics? Chances are, you have watched some of the Tahoe-Truckee region’s incredible local talent compete on the world stage. 

Since Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe) made history hosting the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, the Tahoe-Truckee region has produced notable household names in a variety of disciplines, including skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. 

It’s easy to see why the region has produced such incredible athletes and continues to draw athletes of all ages and abilities to pursue their big mountain dreams. Here, we have everything one needs to be a champion: world-class terrain, altitude, dedicated and experienced coaches and programs, community support and a spirit of innovation, inclusion and perseverance.  

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Photo: Lake Tahoe This Week

February is American Heart Month, a national observance focused on raising awareness about heart disease and empowering people to take action to save lives. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere — at home, at work, or in public spaces — and often without warning. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals. Immediate action by bystanders can mean the difference between life and death.

Recognizing the Signs and When to Call 911

Knowing the warning signs of a cardiac emergency and acting quickly can save lives. Call 911 immediately if someone experiences any of the following symptoms:

Possible Signs of Cardiac Arrest:

• Sudden collapse
• Unresponsiveness
• Not breathing or only gasping
• No pulse

If cardiac arrest is suspected, call 911 right away, begin Hands-Only CPR, and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if one is available until emergency responders arrive.

Possible Signs of a Heart Attack:

• Chest discomfort or pain (pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain)
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness

Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Calling 911 ensures rapid medical response and allows lifesaving care to begin immediately.

Hands-Only CPR saves lives.
When CPR is started right away, a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival can double or even triple. Hands-Only CPR is easy to learn and does not require medical training — just strong, fast, chest compressions until emergency responders arrive.

In addition to CPR, early use of an AED is critical. AEDs are designed for public use and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest.

How the Community Can Take Action This February:

• Enroll in a CPR class 
• Learn how to recognize cardiac arrest and call 911 immediately
• Know where AEDs are located in workplaces and public spaces
• Share heart health and emergency response information with family and friends

Cardiovascular disease risk factors — including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition — remain widespread. Small lifestyle changes, combined with emergency preparedness, can help reduce risk and improve survival outcomes.

American Heart Month serves as a reminder that ordinary people are often the true first responders. By learning lifesaving skills and staying heart-healthy, communities can be better prepared to protect one another.

A Message from NLTFPD

“Cardiac emergencies do not wait for firefighters or paramedics to arrive — they depend on the people already on scene,” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “Learning CPR is one of the most impactful ways community members can protect their families, coworkers, and neighbors. These are simple skills that truly save lives.”

To support community preparedness, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) offers CPR classes throughout the year. These classes provide hands-on training in CPR and AED use and are available to community members, businesses, and organizations interested in strengthening lifesaving skills.

Learn More

• For more information about heart health, CPR, and AED awareness, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org
• Visit www.nltfpd.net to learn more about NLTFPD CPR class offerings.

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/11/2026, Staff Report

Real estate is more than just transactions; it is where life happens. Recognizing this, Casa Tua has officially launched in Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada, introducing a boutique luxury real estate company designed for the modern lifestyle. Under the leadership of Founder and Broker Sabrina Belleci, Casa Tua prioritizes high-touch service and curated experiences over mass-market volume.

The real estate market has evolved, and today’s discerning buyers and sellers require more than a simple exchange of property. They seek alignment, clarity, and a partner who understands their legacy. Casa Tua was created to meet this need, moving away from corporate rigidity toward a model that values quality over scale. Rooted deeply in the Sierra Nevada lifestyle, the brand combines hyper-local expertise with advanced technology to deliver a seamless, sophisticated experience.

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