Monthly Note

Hello!

April already, where has the year gone! Tax season is almost behind us, but don’t hesitate to reach out last minute with anything you need.

Investment markets are a mixed bag. The major indexes continue to surge and then contract. The individual movements each day are large, which has become common over the last 4-6 years, but the YTD movement isn’t alarming. The NASDAQ and the DJIA has continue to move opposite some days, which is a sign of a normalizing market after a big growth surge, a healthy sign.2021 may not turn out to be a banner year, but after 2020 if we can hold onto our gains and get through COVID, that will be a big win in its own right.

The bond markets are a different story, interest rates are rising, which have had an impact on bond prices. Older, lower interest rate bonds struggle to keep up and lose face value, which has the effect of bond portfolios dropping slightly. With interest rates as low as they’ve been, even small movements upward in interest rates can cause movements in bond prices. It’s something I’ve talked in office with many people. It’s not really something we can do anything about and ultimately is good for the markets long term, although it’s causing a little bit of pain in the short term. If you’d like to understand the situation a little better and what I’m doing in seeking to minimize its effect, feel free to call.

Spring seems to have arrived, which I’m welcoming. I hope everyone is safe, healthy and happy. Thank you.

Opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. The NASDAQ Composite Index measures all NASDAQ domestic and non-U.S. based common stocks listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market. The market value, the last sale price multiplied by total shares outstanding, is calculated throughout the trading day, and is related to the total value of the Index. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is comprised of 30 stocks that are major factors in their industries and widely held by individuals and institutional investors.