We hope this newsletter finds you well as we are freshly passed the fourth of July holiday. This quarter's newsletter includes some market/asset management and financial planning updates as well as a personal update from our team members.
- Asset Management
- Financial markets have recovered surprisingly well from the depths of the Bear Market in March. However, all stock market indexes except NADAQ are still in negative territory year-to-date.
- We suspect the stock market will go through periods of volatility with lower than normal real growth expectations.
- Given the low level of interest rates, it should still be worthwhile to underweight fixed income relative to stocks for longer term investment capital.
- In stocks, we will generally increase international allocation as well as Value over Growth…both due to current levels market valuations.
- Financial planning
- Same advice from our prior newsletter…given the lower level of expected investment returns, we advise accumulators to increase their level of saving and distributors to decrease their distribution rate to increase the odds of financial success over the next financial cycle.
- See our article Why3% is the new 4% at the following link on our website
- https://www.rwealthplan.com/blog/change-in-investment-return-expectations-may-impact-your-future-decisions
- Since income taxes are the largest expense item for most of our clients, we have published two new articles
- Your Tax return…the key to after-tax wealth
- Tax loss harvesting…Why?...How?
- Same advice from our prior newsletter…given the lower level of expected investment returns, we advise accumulators to increase their level of saving and distributors to decrease their distribution rate to increase the odds of financial success over the next financial cycle.
- If you have assets remaining at Schwab or TD Ameritrade…please send statements so we can sweep
- What’s new at Renaissance Wealth Management BN, LLC.?
- During the stay-at-home period, we were mostly working from our homes until we started back in our offices in the beginning of June. Good to be back!
- We are working on updating our data base and workflow procedures to enhance our ability to give you outstanding service.
- Our people
- Jeff Secord and Carol endured the Covid experience working from home and binge-watching many good TV series including “A French Village”. Jeff is reading Eric Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile after binge-reading four economic books. Carol is getting caught up on all needlepoint projects.
- Scott Davis, Molly, and family celebrated the 1st birthday of their son Luke at the end of June. (Youngest of three children) During the stay at home order, Scott and family spent time together cooking, baking, and playing games together. Scott and Molly are looking forward to the return of baseball later this month and hopeful for the return of football in the fall.
- Hilary Secord and family spent a lot of time at home together. We were excited last month when the girls extracurricular activities started back up. We just celebrated Hilary’s 40th birthday on July 2nd and are preparing for a social distanced, outside dance recital.
- We welcome our next intern Julia Mueller who has joined us for the Fall semester.
- Sources
- Guide to the Markets. JP Morgan. July 2, 2020
- Weekly Market Recap. JP Morgan. July 6, 2020
- Where we see opportunities ahead. Morningstar Investment Management. April 30, 2020
The views stated in this commentary are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors cannot invest directly in indexes. The performance of any index is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not take into account the effects of inflation and the fees and expenses associated with investing. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.