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We publish a monthly newsletter, Paige's Ponderings, that is sent out directly to our clients. Recent editions can be accessed using these links:
Every quarter we analyze current market trends and consider broad financial topics. Our aim is to provide approachable content that is relevant to all of our clients.
Though investing can be complex, there are a few basic financial principles and terms that are important to know as investors. When analysis paralysis is affecting decision-making, going back to the fundamental truths can remind investors to stay the course and put their money to work for true long-term gains.
What a year in the financial markets. Nearly all asset classes were down, and surprisingly bonds did not provide their usual ballast to the downdraft in equity markets. Interest rates increased as the Federal Reserve (the Fed) has raced to tame inflation by raising rates. Wall Street makes plenty of predictions - were they right?
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) is attempting to combat (cure) high inflation (the disease) by increasing interest rates. By raising interest rates, they hope to ‘cool’ off the economy as higher interest rates will cause business loans, mortgage rates, and car loans to cost more and slow demand. As it is with medicine, there is always the question of getting the dosage right.
The ratio of current CEO pay to worker pay has increased in the past 50 years. Currently, in the United States, the ratio for CEO pay to employee pay is 350:1, up from 21:1 in 1965. The US leads the world in this category. Companies claim that they need to keep granting ever increasingly higher compensation amounts to remain competitive. It has become an increasing upward cycle. An executive pay arms race. Yet how much is enough?
The pandemic has forced many of us to reevaluate priorities – in other words, how we spend our time and money. How are you spending your time? Has it changed at all? What are your pain points? How could you make things easier for yourself and/or your family? Can you outsource something that you don’t like to do so that you have more time to be with friends, family, or travel? After all, the goal is to have prosperous, happy, and fulfilling lives.
There is no question that market downturns are unsettling, however the timing of them is impossible to predict. It is a question of when and not if a market correction or downdraft will occur. The data underscore our conviction that the challenge to successful long-term investing has to include temperament and discipline. We can't predict but we can plan.