Post-Election Investment Commentary
Stock markets abhor uncertainty. Currently, investment prognosticators are interpreting the election results to create a relatively “stagnant” legislative environment. This opinion is based primarily on the assumption that the Senate will remain in Republican control while the presidency will now be Democratic. The anticipated stagnation connotes a more predictable investment environment. Clearly, the stock market has recently responded overwhelmingly positive (as of 11/10/20), to the reduced potential of increased taxation along with the greater likelihood of additional COVID-19 aid and economic stimulus.
This leaves some investors with an instinctual response to grow their equity exposure. However, the biggest risk investors face at this time is changing their investment course and getting it wrong. It remains important to keep focus on the long-term horizon, which no one can predict with much accuracy. The potential future variables that can impact markets are limitless. The impact of the pandemic and potential ensuing lockdowns is clearly one significant unknown.
What is a prudent investor to do? Assuming you are appropriately diversified, remaining so may be your best response.
Those initiating portfolio changes now based on campaign rhetoric should consider that the proposed policy changes may not materialize in current proposed form. If some do, it is difficult to assess which policies may be implemented and how they may affect the markets both US and internationally.
Long-term investing success is a function of innovation, economic growth, interest rates, productivity, and factors we may not currently foresee. Maintaining an appropriately diversified, low cost investment strategy which is properly funded, may not be exciting or pacifying today, but it most likely will provide financial success in the long term.
CONTINUE READING RETIREMENT TIMES
READ THIS MONTH'S PARTICIPANT MEMO
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
MCF Advisors, LLC (“MCF”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by MCF), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this presentation will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from MCF. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed herein to his/her/its individual situation, he/she/it is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her/its choosing. MCF is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the newsletter content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of MCF’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request. If you are an MCF client, please remember to contact MCF in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing / evaluating / revising our previous recommendations and/or services. Please click here to review our full disclosure.