Greetings! I trust that this will find you well and enjoying life.
I hope that your new year is off to a good start.
We certainly have had quite an eye popping start to the new year in the stock market with the Dow Industrials down – 6.24% and the S&P 500 down – 6.33% year to date. Uncertainty involving various aspects in China’s economy and in their investment markets is the culprit. We live in such a global economy now days that these type things and their influence are becoming more and more frequent for us as investors. The reality is that they will likely continue to be a growing part of our world.
Does the uncertainty mean that we should bail out and run for the hills? How can we be secure? How should we act? Everyone is unique having their own goals and life experiences that mold them. However I have found that there are a number of fundamentals that you can count on when things get rocky like they are now. First of all invest using a diversified mix of different asset classes based on who you are and where you are in life. Match the investments you own to your specific goals and objectives. Stick to those investments until your objectives change and when they do change, restructure your investments at the appropriate time to match your new objectives. Waiting until the appropriate time to restructure your portfolio is paramount to success. All asset classes are cyclical in nature and experience highs and lows. So waiting until the cycle completes itself and the appropriate time to sell is critical.
At times like these it’s important to not act on emotion but on logic.
If you have questions or concerns about your retirement planning don’t hesitate to call.
Best regards,
Jeff Christian CFP, CRPC