Blog

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?