Summer 2024

Another wonderful summer is in the books!

As I write this, families are preparing to send their kiddos back to school and retailers are putting their Halloween decorations out even earlier than last year.  Q2 earnings season is about to wrap up, and largely, results have been good. The S&P 500 is reporting even higher earnings today relative to the end of the quarter. Expectations are high for interest rate cuts in September, but predictions are mixed as to how much of a cut we will see. Fall will be here before we know it, and in addition to pumpkins and scarecrows, we know that election news will also be plentiful this season. It is not uncommon for market volatility to pick up as an election gets closer. It is also not uncommon for volatility to soften once the outcome of an election is known.

Check out Senior Advisor Mike Vredenburgh’s following piece about how to invest wisely leading up to an election and don’t hesitate to reach out to your team Advisor with any questions or concerns.  

Stay healthy and well as we transition into the new season, and as always, thank you for your partnership. We’ll see you soon. 

Ask the Professional

Mike Vredenburgh,

Senior Advisor

CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®,

How to Invest Wisely Before the 2024 Elections 

The 2024 US presidential elections are less than three months away, and many investors are wondering how to prepare their portfolios for the possible outcomes. While no one can predict the future with certainty, there are some general principles that can help investors make smart decisions and avoid emotional reactions. 

Don’t Try to Time the Market 

One of the most common mistakes that investors make is trying to time the market or buy and sell stocks based on their expectations of how the elections will affect the economy. This strategy is not only risky, but also ineffective. Not only does an investor have to guess correctly on selling at the high prior to the election, but they also have to guess correctly on buying into a dip that may or may not follow. It’s better to ride out the swings, because historically, markets have maintained an upward trajectory regardless of the party in power as shown in the chart below. 

Instead of trying to time the market, investors should focus on their long-term goals and stick to their asset allocation. This means diversifying their portfolio across different sectors, regions, and asset classes, and rebalancing periodically to maintain their desired risk level. By doing this, investors can reduce their exposure to any single event and benefit from the power of compounding over time. 

Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Best of You 

Another common mistake that investors make is letting their emotions get the best of them, or making impulsive decisions based on fear or greed. This can lead to selling low and buying high, or chasing after the latest fad or trend. For example, some investors may be tempted to buy more stocks if their preferred candidate wins, or sell everything if their preferred candidate loses. However, this can backfire, as the market may react differently than expected, or the candidate’s policies may have a different impact than anticipated. 

Conclusion 

The 2024 elections are an important event that may have significant implications for the economy and the stock market. However, investors should not let the elections dictate their investment decisions, or let their emotions cloud their judgment. By following the principles of not trying to time the market, sticking to their asset allocation, and having a disciplined approach, investors can invest wisely before the 2024 elections and beyond. 

© 2024 Advisory services offered by Moneta Group Investment Advisors, LLC, (“MGIA”) an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). MGIA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Moneta Group, LLC. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only, is not intended to be comprehensive or exclusive, and is based on materials deemed reliable, but the accuracy of which has not been verified.

Trademarks and copyrights of materials referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Index returns reflect total return, assuming reinvestment of dividends and interest. The returns do not reflect the effect of taxes and/or fees that an investor would incur. Examples contained herein are for illustrative purposes only based on generic assumptions. Given the dynamic nature of the subject matter and the environment in which this communication was written, the information contained herein is subject to change. This is not an offer to sell or buy securities, nor does it represent any specific recommendation. You should consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. An index is an unmanaged portfolio of specified securities and does not reflect any initial or ongoing expenses nor can it be invested in directly. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. All investments are subject to a risk of loss. Diversification and strategic asset allocation do not assure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. These materials do not take into consideration your personal circumstances, financial or otherwise.


Team Member Spotlight

Brady James-Woolace

I joined the Borglum team in January of 2024, and I am thrilled to be a part of such a welcoming and collaborative group that is so committed to going the extra mile whenever necessary. It’s been clear since the moment I stepped foot in the door that I am lucky to be surrounded by people who are committed to encouraging me and driving me to be the best that I can be, and I look forward to growing as a valuable member of the team.  

I graduated from Mission University in Springfield, Missouri in 2017, and shortly thereafter, my wife, Emily, and I moved to Orlando, Florida. Over the years, I served in different roles in several different industries, ranging from serving tables to landscape supply. In addition to these roles, I also served in a volunteer capacity as a Student Pastor during the 6-1/2 years my family and I lived in Orlando. My most recent professional venture prior to Moneta was with Charles Schwab, where I served as a Licensed Broker in their Client Service division. This role with Schwab was my introduction to the professional side of Finance, and I am excited to be taking another step into this world with Moneta.  

Originally being from Kansas City, it makes sense that St. Louis is a place I already feel very familiar with, and it helps that my wife of 8 years actually grew up here. For that reason, it’s easy to see why St. Louis already feels like home. I’ve already found a lot of enjoyment in taking my young daughter for a day out at the Saint Louis Zoo or finding one of the many great food spots that the city has to offer. And although I remain loyal to my KC Chiefs and Royals, I do consider myself a St. Louis Blues fans, and I’m sure I’ll have a great time out at Busch Stadium cheering on the Cardinals! 

Special Needs Planning

There are some moments in life for which you can’t truly prepare. Receiving the news that someone in your family has a “condition” or “abnormality” or is “on the spectrum” are a few examples of that. Through lived experiences in our own personal lives, ongoing education, and a commitment to this niche, our team has developed the expertise to give families both financial guidance and emotional support in this challenging yet rewarding journey of helping a loved one overcome adversity to live their best life. Whether you’re just beginning that journey or are well into it, our team can help support your strategy, offer additional ideas (both financial and non-financial) and serve as a connector to other organizations and resources.

Stay tuned for more information on special needs planning in future newsletters or contact us directly to learn more.

Team Member Updates

Tasha and her boys traveled to the “Happiest Place on Earth” for Spring Break! Beckett had a great time too, he’s just camera shy! 

Mike, his wife Rebecca, and the girls enjoyed their annual summer trip to Cape Cod!

Kevin, his wife Lizzie, and daughter Charlie celebrated the Fourth of July in Michigan.

Conner and his dog Deebo were regulars at the Tower Grover Farmers Market this summer! 

Karleigh and Quinn had a few photoshoots over the summer to capture just how fast Quinn is growing! Miss Quinn will be the BIG 1 in November and Karleigh is already starting to plan the birthday fun. 

Laura and her husband Bryce enjoyed celebrating a friend’s wedding this June in Pocahontas, IL. 

Earlier this year, Limor and her kids traveled to Mexico for her son’s Bar Mitzvah celebration trip. They had a blast! 

Ben enjoyed barbecuing and spending time with his friends and family this summer! 

We serve clients across the nation.

Based in the Midwest, the Borglum Team strives to build meaningful, long-lasting client relationships regardless of location.