The past month on Wall Street resembled January in the Midwest: grey skies interspersed with an occasional glimpse of welcome sunshine. But just because the markets were shaky, your knees don’t have to be. Certainly, it’s daunting to watch your investments go up and down – and even more unnerving when they stay down. After all, no one actually knows whether a decline is temporary or the beginning of a bear market.
Still, it’s important to remember markets naturally move up and down. That volatility is what provides risks and rewards. In 2008 – 2009, market averages were cut almost in half. But 2012, 2013 and 2014 brought double-digit gains. In fact, the U.S. stock market enjoyed a six-year bull run into much of 2015, one of the longest in history.
Even with the market’s recent volatility, there are encouraging factors on the economic horizon. China has begun a difficult, multi-year plan to rebalance its economy and achieve slower, more sustainable growth. This could benefit everyone in the long run. U.S. stocks may have largely lost ground in 2015, but European and Japanese stock markets posted gains. Although many emerging markets have slowed, financial writers remain optimistic about potential growth in India and some Asian economies.
While recessions are hard to predict before they begin, certain indications are usually present. For instance, payroll employment typically drops sharply in the year preceding a recession. But the U.S. economy added 2.65 million jobs in 2015.1 Rising oil prices can cause recessions; falling oil prices rarely do. Current oil rates are bad for oil companies but good news for manufacturers and consumers.
Our first interest rate increase in nearly a decade had little impact on the market or inflation, and pundits expect interest to remain low through 2016. Finally, even though global currencies are falling, the dollar started the new year strong.
If you have questions or concerns about your individual situation in light of market conditions, please make an appointment for a thorough review of your portfolio and long-term investing strategies. Contact Jordan Dechtman at 303-741-9772, email him at Jordan@JordanDechtman.com or visit our website www.JordanDechtman.com to schedule an appointment.
1Steve Benen, “Job Market Wraps Up 2015 on a Very Strong Note,” www.msnbc.com/Rachel-maddow-show/job-market-wraps-2015-very-strong-note
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