What a remarkable rally the stock market has delivered since those April lows, back when morale was decidedly downcast. Major stock indices have continued their somewhat unexpected surge to all-time highs. The “Big Beautiful Bill Act” has many supporters as well as critics on both sides of the aisle, and the potential government shutdown is also a focus. New legislation passed recently has created several pieces of economic stimulus, such as restoring accelerated depreciation and committing billions to the development of several domestic industries, which has provided major support for the stock market.
What a remarkable rally the stock market has delivered since those April lows, back when morale was decidedly downcast. Major stock indices have continued their somewhat unexpected surge to all-time highs. The “Big Beautiful Bill Act” has many supporters as well as critics on both sides of the aisle, and the potential government shutdown is also a focus. New legislation passed recently has created several pieces of economic stimulus, such as restoring accelerated depreciation and committing billions to the development of several domestic industries, which has provided major support for the stock market.
There have been many significant developments this year, but perhaps the most significant has been the overall expansion of artificial intelligence (AI). While its long-term effect is widely debated, many believe AI represents an overwhelmingly positive force for future U.S. economic growth.
I, for one, use AI frequently and have seen significant improvements in their services over time. Some of my past research details relied heavily on Google, but now it accounts for only about 10% of my searches.
What are some of the major concerns of many investors? Simply put, the high level of current stock prices and the painful memory of the Dot-com bubble. That period was epitomized by a speculative mania that drove U.S. technology stock valuations sky-high during the late 1990s. Fueled by a fervor for internet-based companies, the equity markets experienced exponential growth, highlighted by the NASDAQ 100 index skyrocketing from under 1000 in 1995 to over 5000 by the year 2000. Many now question whether we are experiencing a similar situation. While no one is sure, we always stress over long-term investing, we are not traders. Emotions when investing in the stock market, can and many times do create poor decision making.
The economy doesn’t always behave as expected, and neither does the stock market. So, what is an investor to do? The best approach in my view is to invest for the long-term, use downside protection, and most importantly not become emotional during market fluctuations. It is critical that you know yourself and what category of investor you are, from conservative to aggressive.
We are likely not the right advisors for those seeking very aggressive trading. We are, however, proactive wealth managers, we employ a fee-only fiduciary structure. Our four partners bring more than 125 years of combined experience, and I am personally grateful to still manage assets for a very special client, who started investing with me back in 1972. She and her husband even attended my wedding, which was just four years after my college graduation.
The S&P 500 stock market targets from Wall Street strategists for the year currently range from 6400 to a high of 7100. The current level is approximately 6600 and with three months remaining, there is still room for further gains, with the low range not reducing to much of our current year to date profits.
I consider my three partners, Scott, Justin, and Jon, and our financial advisors to have the highest level of integrity and are the most successful advisors I’ve encountered in my long career. The feedback I have received from those who have used our financial planning department has been most gratifying. If you have not had the chance to take advantage of this priceless service, I suggest you do so. My wife and I have used our planning group and have already benefited greatly.
We feel so fortunate to have such dedicated partners and team members. We equally value our clients, many of whom date back to the 70s. I truly appreciate your trust and the confidence you place in our company. Please always call with any questions, I can assure you, you will speak to one of us—not a computer!
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