Against a tumultuous worldwide background, it has been a very difficult start to the year across the financial markets. At close of business today, the S&P 500 notched its worst start to a year since 1939. In addition, with rising interest rates, bonds have experienced significant declines and have not provided their typical cushion. With the ongoing humanitarian crisis due to war in Ukraine, inflation persisting across the globe, supply chain issues exacerbated by shut downs in China and talk of grain shortages later this year, it is understandable if you’re feeling anxious.
The world is at times a crazy place, which we are no doubt experiencing at this moment. And while the current environment may seem dark, remember, it is always darkest before the dawn. As these are challenging times, this is precisely when sticking to your long term plan is most important. Still, we strongly believe in taking a long term view. Moreover, making the wrong decision in a time like this is when you can significantly impair the ability to reach your financial goals.