Happy New Year and Welcome 2019!
For many of us, the beginning of a new year is also the perfect time to make new resolutions to improve our lives and our looks….especially after over-eating, over-celebrating, and overspending during the holiday season.In fact, the survey below illustrates this fact – as eating and exercising are tied with saving more as the three top New Year’s resolutions for Americans!
Personally, I would add an additional resolution that I think should be on everyone’s lists – Cybersecurity! Digital Scams and online asset theft are growing by leaps and bounds and the perpetrators are getting better and better at defrauding the unsuspecting.Hence, all of us need to be better at protecting our assets and personal information in the digital age. After all, we wouldn’t leave our front doors unlocked when we leave home, so why would we leave our digital doors unlocked?
Also for our New Year’s gift to our clients, we are offering tutorials or support in learning new Apps that will make your life easier.Just call and make an appointment with Daniel or Adrian in our office.
Speaking of technology, I thought this article about Apple slowing sales was fascinating.
“Apple’s Biggest Problem? My Mom”
I for one, am a mom, who still owns and am happy with my iPhone 6!
Market Volatility
The Grinch who stole Xmas this year was “volatility” to the downside ….which resulted in net declines in virtually every sector of financial markets.
So what can we expect...
Despite last year’s volatility, the Market is modestly positive for 2019 to date…however geopolitical uncertainty and the potential for a long-term shut-down of the US Government are still risks for a positive Market... but today’s environment reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:
“Volatility is the price we pay emotionally to create wealth over the long run”
The market generally responds positively to growth expectations…earnings growth…profit growth. America has always driven earnings growth through innovation. The article “Losing the Edge of Innovation” by Walter Isaacson, is an instructive history of why the US has commanded such an economic lead…and why we need to return to our history of focusing on basic research.
In closing, we hope you all had a wonderful New Year and we look forward to catching up with you soon.Good luck with your resolutions!
Any opinions are those of Margaret Starner and not necessarily those of RJA or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.
