Stephen: These days, the only news stories you’re probably seeing and hearing are those about the Taliban taking over Afghanistan again, and the resurgence of COVID.

The stock market and economy continue to be red hot. Vaccination rates have climbed north of 50% and appear to be effective against new, more contagious COVID-19 variants.

[Stephen] Hello everyone and welcome to the 2021 Navalign Media Outlook. I’m Stephen Rischall and today I am joined by my partners, Chris Carter, Neal Frankle, Matt Stadelman and David Jacobs.

Global stocks rose in the first quarter as vaccines were distributed, economies reopened, and the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan passed.

Despite a massive “second wave” of COVID-19 cases in the 4th quarter, the stock market finished the year at an all-time high as vaccines began to be distributed globally.

Despite a significant increase in COVID-19 related deaths and election uncertainty, the stock market rose once again in the 3rd quarter.

Despite medical, economic and social turmoil, the market rebounded in the 2nd quarter to the surprise of most investors. The recovery isn’t exactly what it seems; while the largest tech stocks posted gains, many other companies are still down double digits.