(from the desk of John Madson CFP® CRPC®)
When you think back on 2017, will you remember it as a calm and positive year? From a market perspective, that’s exactly what it was. For the first time in history, the S&P 500 was up every single month of the year. It also never moved more than 2% in a single day. Despite everything going on in the world last year, markets were extraordinarily calm. Moving in to 2018, we’ve already had one 10% pullback, four pullbacks of at least 5%, and the market has moved 2% or more on seven days. So we’re making up for some of last year’s peace and quiet. For perspective, on average the market has one 10% correction per year, four 5% corrections, and eleven 3%. So while we’ve packed it in to a short window, 2018 has been much more “normal” than 2017 was. Despite all the volatility, most outlooks still call for us to make it through 2018 without a recession. In fact, economic data in the U.S. and around the world is quite positive. What does that mean for the average investor? Most of all, stay balanced and disciplined in your approach. You’ve heard us preach these principles in the past, and they stay as true today as ever. We still expect a positive future, but the road is going to be a lot bumpier. We’re here to help guide you through this, so if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
Spring Events
Every Spring we hold a number of events to spend more time with all of you, share some insights, and generally have a good time. Last week in the Elk River area we had a great dinner with many of you. Thanks to everyone who came out and shared an evening with us.
Commentaries and Insights REGISTER HERE FOR APRIL 23 AQUARIUM IN DULUTH REGISTER HERE FOR MAY 3 TAX WORKSHOP IN DULUTH REGISTER HERE FOR MAY 10 DINNER IN THE TWIN CITIES Trade Tensions Rising (Video) Q2 Economic and Market Outlook Tax Reform
If you would like to join us for another event, we have a couple other opportunities coming up:
- April 23rd at the Great Lakes Aquarium – Duluth
- Come join us for a fun, private evening at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Stroll through the Aquarium at your leisure, watch the feeding of the sturgeon or enjoy one of the several breakout sessions.
- May 3, 2018 Tax Law Change Workshop – Duluth
- The tax reform bill passed in Washington created the most comprehensive change to our federal tax code in 30 years. The changes are broad and impact individuals, families and companies, though in varying degrees. Join us to learn about changes for 2018 and strategies to help you make the most of it.
- May 10th at the Golden Valley Country Club – Twin Cities
- Mark Zuckerberg is probably not the only person thinking about cybersecurity these days. Come join us for a great meal and hear from an expert on Cybersecurity, including ways you can protect yourself on the web.
As always, these events are open to you, family, and friends. Feel free to share the invitation, and be sure to RSVP as space may be limited.
Market Commentary
- Trade Tensions Rising – follow the link for a short video from John Hancock Investments chief economist Megan E. Greene on what the recent tariff and trade news may mean for us moving forward.
- Q2 Economic and Market Outlook – Nuveen Chief Investment Strategist Brian Nick runs through some of the good and bad signals in the world that influence his view of the world today.
Tax Reform
You’ve probably heard a lot of discussion about the new tax reform. If you’re wondering what’s changed, check out our summary here.
American Funds has put together a good summary of key items for investors: What 2018 Tax Reforms Mean for Investors.
JP Morgan has also put together a more analytic summary of the changes. If you’re looking for deeper analysis, give it a whirl: The investment implications of tax reform.
Summary from Signature Wealth Management What 2018 Tax Reforms Mean For Investors The Investment Implications of Tax Reform
Congrats to Tom Endersbe!
In case you missed it, our very own Tom Endersbe was named to the Financial Times list of 400 Top Financial Advisers in the U.S. Read more about it on our blog.
Newsletter Updates
In 2018, we’ve decided to make a few changes to the newsletter, biggest of which is that we will now be sending it out on a quarterly rather than monthly basis. So expect more content per newsletter, and for more frequent updates be sure to follow and like us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
JBen is an active advisor working out of our St. Louis Park and Duluth offices. He lives in Plymouth with his wife, Katrina, and his children, Livian (5), Adeline (2) and Boden (10 months).