The attached graph is one that I have used often with clients during periods of market decline. If you’ve looked at your accounts over the past 9 months or so you will know that we are not currently experiencing this scenario. In fact, the S&P 500 hit 4000 for the first time in the past few weeks and has continued to set new record highs. I recently realized that the visual comparison of historic “Bull vs. Bear” markets that this piece provides is just as appropriate during Up times as it is in Down times. A quick glance reveals that historically, Bulls last longer and are stronger than the dreaded Bears.

We have always attempted to position portfolios for market growth participation while providing as much downside protection as we can. The goal being to attain the necessary returns to reach your goals and meet your needs, without taking unnecessary risks. Through the decline of the overall market during March and April of ‘20, where the S&P dropped more than 35%, our goal to partially protect on the downside showed its’ worth. Those volatile months also substantiated the main point being made in the attachment; Bears rule for shorter time periods and their depths rarely match the heights achieved during Bulls. With this in mind, we will continue to keep growth assets in portfolios so that the continued upside potential of this current market and economic environment can be realized.

I hope you are all well and able to enjoy the “thawing” of this Covid winter we have endured. Looking forward to better times ahead for us all this summer! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions, concerns, or needs related to your accounts and investment strategies.

Best Regards,

Jack

Jack Schniepp is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®, ChFC®) and the owner of Cascade Financial Strategies. CFS is a registered investment advisor licensed in Oregon, California, Washington, Arizona and Idaho. They specialize in socially responsible investing which integrates environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria into portfolio construction.

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