Current Market Fluctuations – February 7, 2018

Institutions
Written by Guest User

The market had seen little volatility in recent months, but Monday made headlines as stocks declined. Stock markets can move quickly. Here are our insights about the last few days:

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2026 Mid-Year Outlook: Funding the AI Buildout
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The Basics of Investing: How Small Steps Today Build Lasting Wealth
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In your 20s, money can feel tight—between rent, student loans, and everyday expenses, investing might seem like something for “later.” But here’s the truth: your greatest advantage right now isn’t a huge paycheck—it’s time. Every dollar you invest today has decades to grow, multiply, and work harder than you ever could.

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Diversification is Paying Off
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The first quarter of 2025 has underscored the value of maintaining a well-diversified portfolio. Despite weakness in the US markets, international stocks, bonds and gold provided positive gains and helped buffer portfolio volatility. While risks persist around inflation, interest rates, tariff headlines and a likely economic slowdown, we believe client portfolios are well positioning to withstand near-term uncertainty.

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2025: A Year of Resilience or Reckoning?
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Despite ongoing challenges, financial markets demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024. Concerns about a potential "hard landing" recession, political uncertainty, and corporate profitability have proven unfounded in light of strong global economic growth. Corporate earnings exceeded expectations, fueled by advancements in AI, government support, and decreasing inflation.

While the current economic strength is encouraging, we have concerns as we approach 2025 for two reasons. First, U.S. market valuations are stretched, based on several valuation metrics. Second, if not addressed, rising budget deficits and interest rates could further strain the economy, stoke inflation and potentially trigger a debt crisis.

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Resilience in the Markets: Key Updates in Q4
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Legacy planning goes beyond simply naming beneficiaries for the material things you leave behind. It includes documenting your wishes, consistent with your values, with your loved ones in mind. Start by identifying your wishes and speaking with family members to clarify your goals, hopes, and vision.

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Legacy planning goes beyond simply naming beneficiaries for the material things you leave behind. It includes documenting your wishes, consistent with your values, with your loved ones in mind. Start by identifying your wishes and speaking with family members to clarify your goals, hopes, and vision.

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When your loved one dies, you might inherit the overwhelming responsibility of winding up their life. Aside from the funeral or memorial, there is much to attend to, including closing financial accounts, canceling recurring payments, and preparing the decedent's final tax return. Many of these tasks require focus and attention, which can add stress to an emotional time. Be kind to yourself. Don't try to handle everything alone if you don't have to. When people ask if they can help, take them up on their offer.

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You are welcome to use this checklist to guide your estate and legacy planning and to aid your loved ones in gathering the information and documents they will need to administer your estate.

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Jack and Diane recently sold a business, transitioning from high income last year to a much lower income in 2024. Additionally, Diane inherited a substantial IRA from her mother a couple years ago and would like to use a portion of the inheritance to honor her.

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