2019 Year-End Review
As we survey the investment landscape for 2020, we find both optimism and clouds on the horizon.
As we survey the investment landscape for 2020, we find both optimism and clouds on the horizon.
December is always a good time to look back on the year, look at what has transpired, and look forward to what might be in store for us next year. If you read the paper or listen to the news, we do not have to tell you what has happened in the markets these last couple of months.
As we certainly all have noticed, today is the second day of significant volatility and losses in the stock markets around the world. Yesterday U.S. markets suffered significant losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 3.1%, the S&P 500 down 3.3%, and the tech-heavy NASDAQ down 4.1%. At today’s closing prices, the Dow and S&P 500 closed down an additional 2.1%, and the Nasdaq was off 1.3%. The Nasdaq is now in correction territory, generally defined as a decline of 10% or more from its last high, although it is still approximately 425 points higher than its close at the end of 2017.
The long running economic expansion – now the second longest on record – and the accompanying exceptional returns in the stock market have been very beneficial to all of us. As the economic expansion and accompanying bull market enters its tenth year, this happy anniversary is a good time to reflect on the merits of rebalancing diversified portfolios.
Yesterday’s market drop was certainly disconcerting for most of us, but it is unfortunate that we did not see a more enlightening end-of day headline along the lines of "Dow drop is 99th largest on record." Monday’s drop of 1,175 points on the Dow was the largest absolute point drop in history, with the index falling from a near all-time high of 25,521 to 24,346 at the end of the day, a percentage drop of 4.6%.
With the Senate passing the tax bill just after midnight last night and the House expected to take another vote later today it is virtually certain that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will become law. This Communiqué will focus on a summary of new or changed provisions that apply to individuals and most importantly, some year-end planning strategies that each of us should consider.
We help our clients achieve financial independence...not necessarily "retirement" but instead, having the ability to have the life you look forward to and knowing you have the financial ability to step away from you job or career - even one that you might enjoy so that you might realize other long term objectives.
CloseYoung couples, and frequently grandparents, ask about planning for the education of children or grandchildren. We periodically prepare education funding computations so that parents and grandparents can plan for the education of their children.
CloseWhether it involves long-term care planning, a review of existing life insurance policies or something as mundane as a review of your home and automobile liability coverage, we can assist you in determining whether you have the proper coverages. We are not insurance agents but we do know what to look for in your policies and determine whether or not you need to make changes.
CloseAre you struggling to understand how the new tax laws impact your family? We can help you determine what strategies can be used to minimize your income taxes and can structure your investments to minimize your tax burden.
CloseDo you have an up to date estate plan? We regularly work with attorneys to make sure that your plan documents are current and achieve your dispositive objectives and meet all of your concerns.
CloseDo you use appreciated securities for your charitable giving? Have you considered how a donor advised family fund might actually save you taxes and be used for your annual charitable giving? We can help .... from explaining the concepts all the way through execution.
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