Every time the S&P 500 hits a record, investors wonder how their own accounts measure up. But the S&P 500 covers only two of Dave Ramsey's four categories — Growth and Growth & Income — leaving out Aggressive Growth and International entirely. Comparing four categories to two isn't a scorecard; it's a recipe for frustration. Here's what's happening beneath the headlines in small caps, value stocks, and international markets, and why owning all four still matters.

Tariffs can greatly impact investments, and Dave Ramsey’s four categories—Growth, Growth & Income, Aggressive Growth, and International—respond differently. Growth stocks may be hit hardest, while Aggressive Growth and International companies may benefit. Diversifying across all four can help reduce risk. Understanding these effects with the help of a financial advisor can guide smarter investing in uncertain times.