Topic: Market Movement

We are less than a week away from Election Day. The presidential race and the race for control of the House and Senate remain very close. There is a good chance we won’t know the outcome on Election Day, and it may take many days to count the votes.

It’s possible that one candidate will gain a sizeable lead so that we will know the outcome sooner, but if not, below is a timeline for how the Presidential Election will play out over the next few months. There could be a lot of uncertainty in the days to come, and that may be reflected in a higher level of market volatility during that time.

What Happens Between Election Day and Inauguration Day

For long-term investors, it is important to keep in mind that the political structure in Washington hasn’t had much of an impact on market returns. From 1933 to 2023, under unified and split governments, the average annual return for the S&P 500 has been between 11% and 14%. Under a split Congress, as we have today, the market has generated an average return of 13.7%.

In more recent times, markets have posted even better results one year after Election Day. Since 1984, the average return a year later has been 17.6%, with only one year (2000) being negative. At the end of the day, financial markets appear to care more about the certainty of election outcomes than about who occupies the White House.

S&P 500 Index Total Returns One Year After Election

As the election cycle plays out, the noise and uncertainty can feel overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. In our view, long-term investors should ignore the noise and continue to focus on their financial goals and plan. Presidential elections historically have had very little impact on the stock market.

As we have continued to emphasize, stock markets are more influenced by corporate earnings, monetary policy and economic data than by the election outcome.

Consider the mythical investor who put $10,000 into the S&P 500 at the beginning of 1948 and did not care who was in the White House. If that investor kept their money in the market, that initial investment would grow to nearly $38 million! Had they invested the $10,000 with Republicans in office only, it would have grown into $310,000, and with Democrats in office only, the total would be $1.2 million.

Stay focused on the long-term goals and the bigger financial picture.

Time IN the Market Matters

The CD Wealth Formula

We help our clients reach and maintain financial stability by following a specific plan, catered to each client. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing. We are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

We will continue to focus on the fact that what really matters right now is time in the market, not out of the market. That means staying the course and continuing to invest, even when the markets dip, to take advantage of potential market upturns. We continue to adhere to the tried-and-true disciplines of diversification, periodic rebalancing and looking forward, while not making investment decisions based on where we have been.

It is important to focus on the long-term goal, not on one specific data point or indicator. Long-term fundamentals are what matter. In markets and moments like these, it is essential to stick to the financial plan. Investing is about following a disciplined process over time.

Sources: Capital Group, Carson, CNBC, Fidelity, Schwab

Stocks reached new highs again last week, the fifth week in a row that the S&P 500 has had positive returns. The S&P now has reached 46 new all-time highs this year, which ranks as the ninth-most ever — and we still have two and a half months to go.

The current bull market is 2 years old as of last Saturday, following a 25% drop in stocks in 2022 that coincided with a steep drop in bond returns as well. Since 1950, the average bull market has lasted more than 5 years and has gained more than 180%. Based on history, we know the market does not go up in a straight line, and plenty of upside remains.

The Bull Market Is Still Young

S&P 500 bull markets from 1950 to today

For now, political uncertainty appears to be doing little to dampen enthusiasm for stocks. Strong economic growth has helped the S&P 500 reach its new highs; it is up over 20% for the year and is on track for the second straight year of double-digit gains.

Still, election anxiety may be on investors’ minds. The VIX, which measures market volatility, has risen about 25% since late September. Some of the increase is attributable to the election and concern that we may not know the outcome immediately following Election Day. Markets do not like uncertainty.

Since 1926, the market has seen negative returns only three times in 17 presidential administrations. One came during the Great Depression under Herbert Hoover, and another came during the Great Recession under George W. Bush. During Richard Nixon’s time in office, the U.S. suffered through the Vietnam War and two recessions — and suffered average losses of only 1% per year.

Politics can bring out strong emotions and biases, but as we have said before, investors would be wise to tune out the noise and focus on the long-term fundamentals. Political opinions are best expressed at the polls, not through your portfolio. Historically speaking, election results have made almost no difference when it comes to long-term investment returns.

History also shows that stocks have done well regardless of which party is in control in Washington. Since 1933, there have been eight Democratic presidents and seven Republican presidents. The chart below shows how the market has performed on average under each scenario for the party in control of the White House and Congress. In that time, the worst average annual return was 11% — to the positive.

Investors who allow political opinions to harm their investing discipline have missed out on above-average returns during presidents they don’t like.

The chart below shows that if you invested $10,000 in 1961, it would have grown to more than $102,000 by 2023 if you invested only during a Republican presidency. If you invested the same $10,000 in 1961, that same investment would have grown to $500,000 if you invested only while a Democrat was in the White House. However, that $10,000 investment would be worth more than $5.1 million if you just stayed invested no matter who was in office.

Growth of $10,000 (1961-2023)

Investors should not let their political opinions or emotions dictate their decisions. The markets really don’t care about the results or the daily micro-dramas in the presidential race. Markets are much more likely to be influenced by corporate earnings, economic data and monetary policy.

As James Carville said back in 1992, “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Unemployment remains near historic lows. Inflation has dropped from a post-pandemic high of 9% to 2.4%. The stock market is at new highs, and interest rates and energy prices are on the decline. Long-term investment strategies tend to perform well regardless of who occupies the White House.

The CD Wealth Formula

We help our clients reach and maintain financial stability by following a specific plan, catered to each client. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing. We are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing. We are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

It is important to focus on the long-term goal, not on one specific data point or indicator. Long-term fundamentals are what matter. In markets and moments like these, it is essential to stick to the financial plan. Investing is about following a disciplined process over time.

Sources: BlackRock, Capital Group, Carson, CNBC, Dimensional Funds, Fidelity, Schwab

After another rough start to the month of September, stocks have rallied and have remained positive for the last three weeks. The S&P 500 has been up 10 out of the last 11 months, and all three major U.S. stock market indexes are near all-time highs.

The big story last month was the Fed’s decision to cut interest rates for the first time since March 2020, when Covid-19 shuttered most of the world’s economy. The Fed reduced interest rates by 50 basis points on Sept. 18. Although it was widely expected that the Fed would cut rates, questions remained about the size and timing.

Did the Fed’s decision have anything to do with the election?

The Fed made the cut in its final meeting before the election in November; its next meeting will be Nov. 7, two days after the election. The Fed has consistently and repeatedly stressed that political considerations do not factor into its decision-making, regardless of what some media reports may say.

The Fed has shifted its focus from the fight against inflation to the health of the job market. For much of the past few years, unemployment has been so low and inflation so high that the Fed could focus predominantly on reigning in inflation. Now, unemployment has risen above to 4.2% from a low of 3.4%, and the pace of new jobs being added each month has slowed.

Are rate cuts near all-time market highs normal?

This is not the first time that the Fed has cut rates with the market at or near all-time highs. In fact, this most recently occurred in 2019. There have been 20 times that the Fed cut rates when the market was within 2% of all-time highs, and in each instance, stocks were higher a year later. Remember the adage: Don’t fight the Fed!

Fed Cuts Near All-Time Highs

S&P 500 returns after Fed cuts within 2% of an all-time high

Does this mean that the Fed thinks the economy is in trouble?

The economy continues to surprise to the upside. While the labor market has been cooling, it is important to remember that it is coming down from unusually high levels from the global pandemic. GDP growth for the last five years was revised from 9.4% to 10.7% and grew at 3% for the last quarter. Disposable income for households also was revised higher and as a result, the savings rate was revised up from 3.3% to 5.2% in the previous quarter.

Corporate earnings are expected to grow at double digits for the year and are expected to grow 15% for 2025. Looking at the chart below, only one of the six indicators used by the National Bureau of Economic Research for recession tracking reflects a potential recession.

Recessionary Indicators

National Bureau of Economic Research recession indicators for the United States (normalized to July 2022)

What do rate cuts mean for consumers and investors?

It is important to remember that the Fed controls very short-term rates only. The Fed does not set interest rates for mortgages, CDs, or bonds. However, it can influence these rates through its actions. Consumers may feel the impact most immediately with lower interest payments on debt that is tied to the prime rate, like credit cards or auto loans.

Investors have been anxious for the Fed to begin cutting rates. There have been 13 rate-cut cycles since World War II, with an average S&P 500 return after the first rate cut of 14%. It is not just stocks that stand to benefit from lower rates. As the Fed lowers rates, cash yields will drop in tandem. Investors faced with lower rates on cash have been moving into stocks and bonds to replace the lost yield.

Historically, bonds have been at their strongest in periods of rate cuts since bond prices rise as yields fall. Average returns for the U.S. Aggregate Bond Index have outpaced cash proxies in rate-cutting periods over the last 40 years.

Falling Rates Have Supported Bond Returns

Average annualized monthly returns during rate-cutting cycles

Where do we go from here?

The market is pricing in that by this time next year, the Fed will have cut interest rates eight to 10 times, and the benchmark rate will be at 3%. That would be much lower than today’s rates but still higher than any time from 2009 to 2021. 

October typically has been the worst month during an election year, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see some volatility during the month. However, the good news is that November and December do quite well in election years as the uncertainty of the election is removed. Investors have been rewarded for staying invested amid the constant negative sentiment and worry.

The CD Wealth Formula

We help our clients reach and maintain financial stability by following a specific plan, catered to each client. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing; we are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

We will continue to focus on the fact that what really matters right now is time in the market, not out of the market. That means staying the course and continuing to invest, even when the markets dip, to take advantage of potential market upturns. We continue to adhere to the tried-and-true disciplines of diversification, periodic rebalancing and looking forward, while not making investment decisions based on where we have been.

It is important to focus on the long-term goal, not on one specific data point or indicator. Long-term fundamentals are what matter. In markets and moments like these, it is essential to stick to the financial plan. Investing is about following a disciplined process over time.

Sources: Capital Group, Carson, Fidelity, NBER

Last week, stocks had their best week of the year. The S&P 500 rose eight days in a row, the first eight-day streak since November. In the last four years that saw an eight-day win streak, the average return was over 26% for the year.

As of now, the S&P 500 is up almost 18% through mid-August.

It wasn’t that long ago that the stock market saw a pullback that led some investors to a mild freak-out in anticipation of a worst-case scenario. The headlines were dominated by fears of a recession, the Fed being behind the curve on interest rate cuts and the yen carry trade ending.

Two weeks later, stocks are back near all-time highs, led by a broad-based rally of small caps, large-cap stocks, mega-cap stocks and international stocks. A run of favorable economic data across producer price index (PPI), consumer price index (CPI), retail sales and jobless claims is driving the rally.

As the chart shows, this year saw the seventh-largest August crisis that caused extreme fear and volatility since 1990. The good news: Investors got through all of them, and we don’t expect this time — or the next time — to be any different.

Even the best years in the market have bad days and scary headlines. Does this mean that we are completely out of the woods with regards to market weakness or volatility? Not at all; the months leading up to elections often can be volatile.

There’s Something About August

S&P 500 returns in volatile Augusts (1990-present)

The last few weeks have been a good reminder of the adage that what matters is time in the market and not timing the market. The worst time to sell is in a market panic, no matter how long or brief that panic may be. If you get scared and decide to get out of the market, you probably will miss some of the best days of the year.

If you had invested $10,000 into the S&P 500 in 2004 and stayed invested over that entire time, the investment would be worth almost $64,000. If you tried to time the market or got scared and got out during one of the above August scares, and you missed the best 10 days, the return would be less than half that total. It gets worse from there.

Fear takes over, and you think that the market can only go one direction — down. Fearful investors assume that even if the market bounces, they can’t get back in as they were by buying back in at a higher level than where they sold.

If you wait to get more clarity or less uncertainty, you will probably miss the best days — and that will cost you in the long run.

Time In the Market, Not Timing the Market

Performance of $10,000 invested in the S&P 500 the past 20 years (2004-2023)

The current economy’s underlying fundamentals are sound, but a large disconnect remains between the stock market, the economy and people’s sentiments about the economy. The job market has started to cool off since the remarkable strength of the pandemic. The number of job openings continues to trend downward.

Inflation has cooled significantly, but not quite to the level that the Fed wants to see. What’s more, consumer prices are still higher than they were several years ago, and people continue to feel it in their pocketbooks. Food prices have risen more than 25% since January 2020.

It also costs more to borrow money today than it used to. We became used to low interest rates for homes and credit cards. High rates combined with higher home prices have made buying a home much harder.

Finally, most people who are invested in stocks are invested through their 401K or retirement accounts. The growth in the market is not helping those individuals with increased costs of living, which may be why most don’t feel so great about the current economy even as the market hits new highs.

The CD Wealth Formula

We help our clients reach and maintain financial stability by following a specific plan, catered to each client. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing. We are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

We will continue to focus on the fact that what really matters right now is time in the market, not out of the market. That means staying the course and continuing to invest, even when the markets dip, to take advantage of potential market upturns. We continue to adhere to the tried-and-true disciplines of diversification, periodic rebalancing and looking forward, while not making investment decisions based on where we have been.

It is important to focus on the long-term goal, not on one specific data point or indicator. Long-term fundamentals are what matter. In markets and moments like these, it is essential to stick to the financial plan. Investing is about following a disciplined process over time.

Sources: Carson, Fidelity, JP Morgan, Opco

This material contains an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources.

Using diversification as part of your investment strategy neither assures nor guarantees better performance and cannot protect against loss of principal due to changing market conditions.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS) an affiliate of Kestra IS. CD Wealth Management and Bluespring Wealth Partners LLC* are affiliates of Kestra IS and Kestra AS.  Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

*Bluespring Wealth Partners, LLC acquires and supports high quality investment adviser and wealth management companies throughout the United States.

Fidelity Investments and Fidelity Institutional® (together “Fidelity”) is an independent company, unaffiliated with Kestra Financial or CD Wealth Management. Fidelity is a service provider to both. There is no form of legal partnership, agency affiliation, or similar relationship between your financial advisor and Fidelity, nor is such a relationship created or implied by the information herein. Fidelity has not been involved with the preparation of the content supplied by CD Wealth Management and does not guarantee, or assume any responsibility for, its content. Fidelity Investments is a registered service mark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Institutional provides clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC.

Investors woke up Monday morning to a sudden global panic, cratering the value of stocks, currencies and even cryptocurrencies. The Dow fell over 1,200 points at the open, the S&P 500 dropped over 200 points, and the NASDAQ was down over 1,000 points, more than a 6% pullback. Japan’s Nikkei Index fell more than 12%, its largest one-day drop in almost 40 years, following an interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan last week.

The NASDAQ is officially in correction mode, down more than 10% from its all-time high. The S&P 500 is down 9% from its recent high, set three weeks ago, and it has fallen the last three weeks. This is only the second pullback of 5% or more this year; most years see more than three 5% pullbacks on average. 

As great as 2023 was, investors should remember we saw a 10% correction from late July until October. On average over the last 70+ years, the market has seen a 10% correction at least once per calendar year — and a 15% correction every 18 months.

Volatility Is the Toll We Pay To Invest

S&P 500 per year (1950-2022)

It is important to look at what caused the sudden market volatility and the recent pullback in the stock market:

1. Last week’s jobs report caused concerns of a recession. A few data points last week showed signs of a weakening economy: jobless claims at their highest level in a year, weak manufacturing data, Friday’s non-farm payroll number missing by a large margin and the unemployment rate at 4.3%, its highest level since 2022. While the labor market has cooled, the economy remains on good footing, as preliminary GDP numbers were strong. 

2. The Fed did not reduce interest rates and will wait until September. We have been seeing improving data showing inflation is under control. Higher rates have impacted the housing market and small business investment. The Fed has two mandates: keep prices under control and maintain full employment. Ten-year Treasury yields have fallen below 4%, and for the first time in more than two years, the yield curve is no longer inverted. The bond market is signaling that it is time for the Fed to begin cutting interest rates — and maybe that it has waited too long.

3. Carry trade may be ending. The Bank of Japan raised interest rates for the first time in 17 years, to .25% from 0%. It also acknowledged that more rate hikes may be coming this year. Japanese investors have been borrowing money at zero rates and investing those monies into higher-yielding or riskier assets both domestically and overseas. This is called a “carry trade.” The rate hike in Japan was a taken as a signal that the carry trade strategy is approaching its end, and investors are now reversing their positions. As they reverse their trades, they are selling those riskier assets, such as U.S. stocks, to pay off the borrowed money in Japan. It is unknown how long the unwinding of the carry trade may last and how much more potential downside there may be.

4. Warren Buffett disclosed that he sold half of his long-term position in AAPL. While we don’t know the entire reason Buffett unloaded half of his Apple stock, the stock remains his largest holding at over $84 billion. This could be positioning for a higher capital gains rate in the future, or it could be market valuation — or his opinion of the Apple stock valuation. Either way, the disclosure over the weekend on top of weaker jobs data and what was happening in Japan caused additional stress to the trading of the Magnificent Seven stocks.

5. The hype over AI is showing cracks. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ are both up more than 9% on the year, even after the sharp sell-off. Stocks have benefited from strong corporate earnings and continued excitement over artificial intelligence’s growth and potential. Nvidia has been the clear leader for AI chips. Rumors began circulating Monday that it is delaying its next-generation AI chips by at least three months, which could alter its earnings as well as other mega-cap tech stocks such as Microsoft, Google and Meta.

The average market pullback in a calendar year going back to 1980 is more than 14% in any one year. But what you notice in the chart below is that there are many more positive years than negative years in the S&P 500, and only in one instance — the Great Financial Crisis — have we seen multiple down years in a row. 

We repeat the drumbeat that what matters is time in the market and not time out of the market. While we have seen increased market volatility, this is normal and part of long-term investing in the stock market.

Putting 2024 in Perspective

S&P 500 Index max pullback per calendar year

The CD Wealth Formula

We help our clients reach and maintain financial stability by following a specific plan, catered to each client. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing. We are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

We will continue to focus on the fact that what really matters right now is time in the market, not out of the market. That means staying the course and continuing to invest, even when the markets dip, to take advantage of potential market upturns. We continue to adhere to the tried-and-true disciplines of diversification, periodic rebalancing and looking forward, while not making investment decisions based on where we have been.

It is important to focus on the long-term goal, not on one specific data point or indicator. Long-term fundamentals are what matter. In markets and moments like these, it is essential to stick to the financial plan. Investing is about following a disciplined process over time.

Sources: AAM, Carson, CNBC, Fortune, Forbes, Washington Post

This material contains an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources.

Using diversification as part of your investment strategy neither assures nor guarantees better performance and cannot protect against loss of principal due to changing market conditions.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your individual situation.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS) an affiliate of Kestra IS. CD Wealth Management and Bluespring Wealth Partners LLC* are affiliates of Kestra IS and Kestra AS.

Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

*Bluespring Wealth Partners, LLC acquires and supports high quality investment adviser and wealth management companies throughout the United States.

We are less than 100 days from Election Day. Whenever a presidential election rolls around, it is common to hear it described as “unprecedented.” Presidential elections always add an extra element of uncertainty to investing. On top of assessing the path of the Federal Reserve, the stability of profits and the consumer, investors must grapple with a barrage of headlines about the election.

As seen in the chart below, many geopolitical events have impacted portfolios in the short term over the last 120 years. Over the long run, however, the market has trended higher.

Investors sometimes get tunnel vision when it comes to the stock market and may only see what is right in front of them: an election, war or a pandemic, for example. When you stretch out your time horizon, the odds move in your favor; roughly 75% of single years have positive returns, nearly 90% of five-year periods are positive, and 100% of 20-year periods are positive!

Even With Bad News, Stocks Tend To Go Higher

Political opinions are best expressed at the polls — not through the portfolio. It is crucial to keep your political feelings from overruling your investing strategy. Investors who allow political opinions to harm their investing discipline may have missed out on above-average returns during political administrations they may not like.

With the intensity of feelings on both sides, it is natural for investors to assume that the news of the day — the election’s eventual outcome — could have major impacts on sentiment and prices in the financial markets. 

The S&P 500 has averaged positive returns under every partisan combination, as the chart below shows. There also is evidence that a divided government has correlated with stronger market returns — probably because gridlock creates less policy uncertainty, and markets do not like uncertainty.

If you had invested $1,000 in the S&P 500 starting in 1953 and only invested under Republican presidents, you would have just under $30,000 today. If you did the same thing but for only Democrat presidents, you would have just over $60,000. However, if you stayed invested no matter which party was in office, your $1,000 investment would be worth close to $1.7 million today. 

No matter which side you sit on, this election cycle is likely to bring more surprising headlines and plenty of emotional ups and downs. It can be tempting to put your money where your convictions are — whether you are optimistic or pessimistic about the November election — but history shows that doing so is not the best economic move for your long-term financial health.

Average Annual S&P 500 Performance

(1933-2022, excluding 2001-2002)

Despite heightened political uncertainty, the economic backdrop remains positive. Market moves are more likely to be driven by market and economic fundamentals like corporate earnings, interest rates and other economic factors. GDP remains strong, the Fed is likely to reduce interest rates, and corporate earnings are expected to grow at double digits in 2024. 

Over the past 40 years, there has been only one instance when market returns were negative 12 months after an election — the tech bubble in 2000. This is not to downplay the importance of an election, but instead to remind us that the economy does not change course based on an election result. 

Through good times and bad, economic progress and the ingenuity of American companies have led to innovation, increased productivity and earnings growth — ultimately driving markets higher. Once political uncertainty is out of the way, markets tend to return to focusing on fundamentals, and right now, the fundamentals look pretty good.

The CD Wealth Formula

We help our clients reach and maintain financial stability by following a specific plan, catered to each client. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing. We are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

We will continue to focus on the fact that what really matters right now is time in the market, not out of the market. That means staying the course and continuing to invest, even when the markets dip, to take advantage of potential market upturns. We continue to adhere to the tried-and-true disciplines of diversification, periodic rebalancing and looking forward, while not making investment decisions based on where we have been.

It is important to focus on the long-term goal, not on one specific data point or indicator. Long-term fundamentals are what matter. In markets and moments like these, it is essential to stick to the financial plan. Investing is about following a disciplined process over time.

Sources: Capital Group, Carson, JP Morgan, Strategas Research

This material contains an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources.

Using diversification as part of your investment strategy neither assures nor guarantees better performance and cannot protect against loss of principal due to changing market conditions.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS) an affiliate of Kestra IS. CD Wealth Management and Bluespring Wealth Partners LLC* are affiliates of Kestra IS and Kestra AS.  Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

*Bluespring Wealth Partners, LLC acquires and supports high quality investment adviser and wealth management companies throughout the United States.

Fidelity Investments and Fidelity Institutional® (together “Fidelity”) is an independent company, unaffiliated with Kestra Financial or CD Wealth Management. Fidelity is a service provider to both. There is no form of legal partnership, agency affiliation, or similar relationship between your financial advisor and Fidelity, nor is such a relationship created or implied by the information herein. Fidelity has not been involved with the preparation of the content supplied by CD Wealth Management and does not guarantee, or assume any responsibility for, its content. Fidelity Investments is a registered service mark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Institutional provides clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC.

As we head toward Memorial Day — the unofficial start to summer — the stock market is near all-time highs. After pulling back in early April, stocks bounced back quickly. The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ rose to all-time highs last week, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 40,000 for the first time. In just the last seven years, the Dow has climbed from 20,000 to 40,000 points.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

Milestones since 2016

This climb includes a near-bear market in the fourth quarter of 2018, the pandemic in 2020 and the soaring interest rates that ensued, the bear market of 2022, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and inflation not seen since the 1980s!

The Dow first closed above 20,000 in early 2017, following large corporate tax cuts passed by Congress. The Dow was about to breach 30,0000 in early 2020, but then the pandemic happened, and the Dow fell 38% from the February peak all the way down to 18,213. By November 2020, the Dow had closed above 30,000 for the first time — and 872 days later, the Dow crossed 40,000 for the first time.

What Does Dow 40,000 Mean?

The Dow is still considered America’s index and still represents Main Street America. While the S&P 500 is more representative of the overall stock market, the Dow dates back to 1896 and is still quoted as one of the major stock indexes to follow. It’s also a reminder that when it comes to investing, patience is the key — and has been rewarded in the past.

According to Carson Wealth, this was the 1,414th new all-time high for the Dow since 1900. New highs often lead to more new highs, as the average return one year after a new high has been 7.8%, with gains seen 70% of the time. For some additional perspective, the average return for the Dow since 1900 has been up 7.4% with gains 65% of the time.

Don’t Fear New All-Time Highs

Dow returns after new all-time highs

Equity valuations and geopolitical risks remain at the top of our list. There is no denying that such risks are heightened as the world faces two wars and U.S.-China relations remain strained. It is important to remember that the underlying economic fundamentals in the U.S. remain strong, which is key during periods of heightened tension.

Last year, we saw price expansion in the stock market, led by the Magnificent Seven, and that has continued the first half of this year. We need to see earnings expand and keep pace to justify the current market multiple.

Analysts are projecting 11% earnings growth in 2024, along with 5.5% revenue growth. While the forward P/E for the market is over 20 (the 10-year average is 17.8) and some would consider the market overvalued, the forward P/E will come down and may justify the current stock prices if earnings continue to grow as expected.

The prospect of lower inflation data also spurred the market last week to reach all-time highs. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell recently reiterated that inflation data has yet to make Fed members confident that they can cut rates, but more positive movement is likely if data continue to show signs of price easing.

Our stance has long been that investing is not about timing the market but time in the market. That means not looking to play the market based on inflation data from month to month, who may win the presidential election or worries about war overseas. Please keep this in mind the next time you read scary headlines or hear an economist predicting gloom and doom.

The CD Wealth Formula

We help our clients reach and maintain financial stability by following a specific plan, catered to each client. 

Our focus remains on long-term investing with a strategic allocation while maintaining a tactical approach. Our decisions to make changes are calculated and well thought out, looking at where we see the economy is heading. We are not guessing or market timing. We are anticipating and moving to those areas of strength in the economy — and in the stock market. 

We will continue to focus on the fact that what really matters right now is time in the market, not out of the market. That means staying the course and continuing to invest, even when the markets dip, to take advantage of potential market upturns. We continue to adhere to the tried-and-true disciplines of diversification, periodic rebalancing and looking forward, while not making investment decisions based on where we have been.

It is important to focus on the long-term goal, not on one specific data point or indicator. Long-term fundamentals are what matter. In markets and moments like these, it is essential to stick to the financial plan. Investing is about following a disciplined process over time.

Sources: CityNational Rochdale, Carson, CBNC

This material contains an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources.

Using diversification as part of your investment strategy neither assures nor guarantees better performance and cannot protect against loss of principal due to changing market conditions.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS) an affiliate of Kestra IS. CD Wealth Management and Bluespring Wealth Partners LLC* are affiliates of Kestra IS and Kestra AS.  Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

*Bluespring Wealth Partners, LLC acquires and supports high quality investment adviser and wealth management companies throughout the United States.

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