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As we begin 2021 I wanted to share a quick story with you. There is an area in the Swiss Alps called Lungern. It is beautiful, surrounded by the mountains, vast green fields, and a pristine light blue lake on one side. The landscape has changed drastically over the years due to some huge undertakings of the men and women of the area.

The election craziness may be getting closer to an end (we hope). We have viable vaccines (plural), and yet, we also have an increasing number of COVID-19 cases throughout the U.S. and the world. With the increase in COVID-19 cases, looming lockdowns are rearing their heads with no stimulus package yet in sight. The markets trade in a forward-looking way, so we continue to see gains as investors remain optimistic about the items we mentioned above.

Welcome to one of the most unique election years we have ever seen; Voting started early giving new meaning to the Chicago mantra, vote early and vote often. The election combined with pandemic news, possible inoculations, and the possibilities of more government stimulus has the market understandably searching for direction. The main thing to keep in mind is that most of this news is short term noise.

The potential for election lawsuits, the replacement of a Supreme Court justice, continuing coronavirus concerns, and the start of flu season are all factors influencing the markets. It is important not to focus on just one or two issues but instead on planning and building portfolios that will withstand the inevitable changes that occur over longer-term horizons and positioning ourselves to weather the shorter-term volatility.

September 2020 Economic Update: Can the market go higher? Innovation and Investing

Our August Update focuses on the following subjects: • What does it all mean for investors? • What is the next move? • Looking forward

Wow, what a quarter! During this period we saw a bankrupt company issue half a billion dollars in new equity. If that can happen it makes you wonder where else the hype and government intervention has caused some overvaluation.

Emotions continue to run high and human nature both the good and not so good have surfaced during the pandemic. Much like the refiner's fire separates the beautiful precious metal and the ugly worthless slag. Choosing to focus on the blessings and the good is what makes precious things come to light in our own worlds. I hope you are focusing on the beautiful things we are seeing as we continue through this pandemic.

  2nd Quarter Market Commentary Clarity in the Midst of Crisis  Getting clarity in the midst of confusion is difficult. In each crisis, I have experienced it is always considered one of the worst ever. This crisis is no different in that respect. In no way do I want to convey that this is not a serious issue we are dealing with. It is serious and unprecedented. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are impacted which is just about all of us. I have no doubt however that we wil

March 2020 Economic Update The major news outlets love the superlatives so you will hear true statements such as “worst week since 2008…” “Biggest single day point decline for the Dow in history . . .” “Largest dollar value of stocks ever traded in a single day . . .” (Friday $986 trillion). All of these are meant to grab your attention and cause fear and consternation.

February 2020 Economic Update In our last update in early January, we talked about the potential for good growth in 2020 but with a possible ‘rockier road ahead.’ I certainly did not anticipate the significant new virus threatening a global epidemic, but these are the types of things that cannot be predicted and do happen. The Coronavirus could be the catalyst for a correction to the downside from the record highs we have been experiencing in the equity markets and may open some opportunities

There was one surprise since our last update, Distracted Drivers; We managed to get further on the China Trade deal than I anticipated. However, it remains to be seen how or if all the details will be acted upon. when this news is combined with strong holiday retail sales, the market moved steadily higher into the end of 2019. The danger in such a strong year is overconfidence.

The average investor gets distracted by external headlines week after week. Their eyes wander from long term fundamentals to the next shiny news item or the latest monthly or weekly economic numbers.

Since the recession of 2007- 2009 we have seen a constant stream of gloom and doom.  Many argue that bull markets die of old age, but I have never known that to be the case. Had investors listened and traded out of the equity market they would have missed tremendous opportunities for growth. As always, we recommend selecting a long-term strategy that you are personally comfortable with and sticking with it through the inevitable ups and downs in the market.

If you are interested in investing in a socially responsible way that reflects your specific values while maintaining a prudent investment strategy that makes progress towards your personalized goals, please reach out to us at (312) 372-5000

We recognize the risks and yet remain cautiously optimistic as we head into earnings season. We expect earnings to be a bit of a mixed bag which will concern many market participants more than it will concern us as we focus on longer-term developments. As Judy Garland and her entourage wandered through the dark forest they perceived dangers that nearly overcame them but were they real or perceived?