Articles of Interest

IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING THE
RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT AND THE MARKETS.

Smart investing can overcome the power of emotion by focusing on relevant research, solid data and proven strategies.

There’s no question that periods of increased market volatility during times of conflict can be unsettling for investors. However, the decisions you make now—choosing to stay the course or move to the sidelines—can have long-lasting implications. In fact, making emotionally-based decisions about short-term market events is one of the fastest ways to derail your long-term investment strategy.

This is because it’s nearly impossible to accurately time the financial markets. As a result, investors tend to opt out at the worst time, when markets are falling, and buy back in at higher prices when markets begin to rise. On the other hand, those who remain invested and focused on their long-term investment goals have an opportunity to buy additional shares at lower prices when stock prices drop, which helps to generate long-term portfolio growth.

You wouldn't be human if you didn't fear loss. However, a time-tested approach to managing your investments through periods of uncertainty is to focus on asset allocation:

• An appropriate asset allocation, aligned with your goals, timeframe, and tolerance for risk allows you to concentrate on your long-term objectives instead of getting sidetracked by short-term market fluctuations.
  
  
• It also helps eliminate the potential for emotional decision-making that could have an adverse impact on your long-term investment strategy.

^{Asset allocation, which is driven by complex mathematical models, should not be confused with the much simpler concept of diversification. Asset allocation does not guarantee profit or protect against loss.}

LOW MORTGAGE RATES  |  HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE?

30-Year mortgage rates just hit their 8th record low this year.

CNN Business has the latest news @ http://cnn.it/3gKOo03

GOOD NEWS FOR HOMEBUYERS.
Keep in mind that just two summers ago, the average interest rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage hovered around 4%, while the 30-year was in the vicinity of 4.5%. With the average interest rate on these loans at new historic lows, it may be a smart time for first-time buyers to consider making their move.

In other words, it's uncertain how long these historically low rates will last. Keep in mind this article is for informational purposes only. It's not a replacement for real-life advice. It’s always a good idea to consult with your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before considering any changes to your living situation.

GOOD NEWS FOR INVESTORS.
Believe it or not, hopeful homebuyers are struggling to find the right property: on July 4, 2020, the inventory of existing homes for sale was 31% smaller than it was in 2019. Even with these market conditions, 61% of respondents to a recent survey felt that buying a home in 2020 was a good idea. This interest in purchasing a new home despite the COVID-19 pandemic may be considered a “coincident indicator” by many. In other words, if consumers feel confident enough to go home shopping, that could indicate slowly returning economic confidence as well.³

GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE.
Real estate plays an integral role in the health of the economy. Even when considering the many advantages of homeownership, it can be easy to forget that it is one of the greatest sources of wealth and savings for many Americans.⁴

Whether or not rates will drop even lower is anyone's guess. Even though it seems unlikely, mortgage issuers are dealing with a level of uncertainty that makes it harder for them to judge risk and assess the long-term value of the loans they originate.

^{1. OCRegister.com, July 16, 2020}

^{2. Realtor.com, July 13, 2020}

^{3. FreddieMac.com, July 16, 2020}

^{4. TheBalance.com, February 10, 2020}

^{The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite, LLC, is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.}

RECESSIONS  |  THE ROAD AHEAD

Recessions are a normal part of the business cycle.

However, the COVID-19-induced recession was not normal. Social distancing has worked to reduce both the number of cases and deaths caused by the virus, but these same efforts have unfortunately led to mounting economic costs. With some states beginning to ease restrictions, optimistic investors have been looking beyond today’s awful data and focusing on economic recovery.

Click on the button below to review three predictions for the rest of 2020.

THE (CARES) ACT  |  WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

The coronavirus pandemic has affected virtually every facet of American life and severely impacted the markets and economy.

Congress and the federal government have acted to help individuals and businesses get through this difficult time. Most recently, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020. The House passed the bill by voice vote earlier that day, and the Senate unanimously passed it on March 25. The $2.2 trillion bipartisan bill, the most expensive legislation ever enacted, resulted from negotiations between Treasury Security Steven Mnuchin and Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle.

Click on the button below to view highlights of many of the federal relief opportunities created thus far which may benefit you.