There’s been no shortage of scary things in the news lately. From the images of panicked selling on the stock market floor to press conferences with the World Health Organization officials, it seems like anything could happen next. The market hates uncertainty, and you are probably not loving it either.
Fortunately, Bridger Financial Group is prepared to help you maintain your focus in the midst of market mayhem and avoid making impulsive decisions that could potentially derail your long-term plans. You may think this time is different…and perhaps it is. Most likely, it is not. Whatever comes of the coronavirus, history shows us that the world will go on, and the stock market can recover to reach new highs in the future.
As we think about last week and look forward to the next few months, there are 3 things we want you to know.
First, we want you to know that we are watching this closely.
As the situation develops, we are carefully monitoring market indicators.
The coronavirus epidemic itself was not something we could predict, but we constantly prepare for unexpected bouts of volatility. Our experienced team knows how to navigate difficult markets.
The US has had a few extra weeks to prepare for the possibility of the virus landing here. The drug to combat COVID-19 is already in clinical trials. Our healthcare system is fantastic. In times like these, resilient investors who can demonstrate patience are likely to be rewarded over the long term.
Second, we want you to know that we have a plan.
Corrections similar to what we saw last week are built into your financial plan.
When we first met to talk about your goals and to build your portfolio, we knew that a correction (and possibly even a bear market) was inevitable. Over time, our team has taken steps to prepare your portfolio for this. We believe strongly in diversification, and while it does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a down market, in times like this it can really help cushion the blow.
Finally, we are here to take action on your behalf, if and when needed.
Our action plan will depend on each client’s situation as well as the signals that we observe from various indices in the market. We may recommend you take protective action. We may consider rotating some portfolios to a different investment mix. We may even use the opportunity of rebalancing to accomplish those goals and potentially save our clients some money on taxes. At the end of the day, we are here to do what’s in your best interest, regardless of market conditions.
If you have any questions about the market, your portfolio, or a change in your cash needs, please call or email us. Don’t feel like you need to go it alone. We are here to answer your questions and to provide reassurance and support.
Thank you for entrusting us with your financial success. It’s a tremendous responsibility that we take very seriously.
Sincerely,
The Bridger Team
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal invested. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.