Happy Holidays and things that go ‘bump in the night’

Here we are again … year-end, market turmoil and the holidays.  This is supposed to be good old Saint Nick’s holiday, yet it is turning out to be Krampus’ party.  Krampus?  What did we do wrong?  Nothing says Fed head Jerome Powell.  Ah not to worry, good old Saint Nick will save us after all … RIGHT? 

Personally I have never bought into the Santa Claus rally phenomenon.  And it not looking good this year that’s for sure.  As of this writing the S&P500 Index is getting dangerously close to its 52 week low (source: Yahoo Finance).  Yikes, what are we to do?  At this time, nothing.  Doing something in a down market generally results in regrets and lessons learned.  As with all my past advice, investing is best done with a long-term mindset.  And just to remind you on my definition of long-term — more than your monthly or quarterly statement.  More than multiple years, actually, and you would be wise to use an even longer time frame.

While down markets or corrections are not fun, we must remember that they are to be expected and we cannot make ‘short-term’ adjustments that will always net positive market returns.  If you truly think that you can outsmart Mr. Market then I would like to know your secret. Investing is boring and the more boring the better in my opinion.   

But really Darin, what do we do now?  Plug your ears and do your best to ignore the media as well as other financial noise.  Enjoy the holidays, spend time with loved ones and know that the volatile times are back with us for the foreseeable future.     

I do appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your families.  While we can’t predict the markets we can do our best to plan for the future.  Happy Holidays and here is to a great 2019.

Until next time…

Darin