I hope this finds you safe and healthy. I was visiting with someone earlier today and we talked about the challenge of simultaneously being a brave dad, a brave husband, a brave friend, and a brave financial advisor. These are such surreal times, aren’t they? Permit me a moment of personal indulgence and then we will get to business.
Reflecting back on these last few days and all of the things that have transpired at such dizzying speeds has been incredible to watch. There is no way to sugarcoat the situation, so I won’t try. US Businesses are being adversely affected by this. Already we are seeing businesses, especially restaurants, being closed, or relegated to carry-out or delivery and at the same time, our neighbors are mobilizing to help each other, sharing info on how to either support each other or local business. Parents are helping each other deal with the new reality of not only working from home but homeschooling their children. I could go on and on. There is a strong sense of resolve among many of us, and it seems at least to me, that this new (temporary) normal has finally sunk in and we ready to press ahead.
I read something a friend posted that really resonated and wanted to share: “Our temporary normal is strange. It’s unsettling, it’s oddly communal even with the distance we have implemented, it’s quiet thunder. Wash your hands, stay away and give virtual hugs. Be safe and be happy, the summer is on the way”.
Now, on to business.
With regards to the markets and economy, a few notes:
- Volatility will continue, but as more and more data become available, fear and uncertainty will subside and we will slowly get back to the fundamentals.
- The Federal government is working on a stimulus package and a response for affected businesses.
- Our economy will most certainly contract with this, but it is important to remember the stock market typically begins its recovery 3-6 months before the actual economic recovery begins.