Dow 20 K or Bust!

It's the Dow 20 K or Bust article!

Is the suspense just killing you? I mean, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is teasing us investors with the 20,000 milestone. Why are we so close but not over that level? Because investors have to take one more collective breath before they buy more stocks ahead of what will become the major over/under mark of benchmark averages for possibly a long time to come.

Not everyone will agree if this benchmark is important, but I think it is. Any round number is important if it affords you a reflective look back at what you have learned, how far you've come, and how far you have to go in order to reach your goals. Measuring progress is part of the job of being an investor.

March of 1999 was when the Dow first reached 10,000. I'll never forget those Dow 10 K hats worn by NYSE traders as they roared gleefully about it as if it were a major victory. In a sense, it was exactly that. So many people participated in the wealth creation machine of the '90's. It was the peak in ratings for financial TV, income, and in many ways, people's dreams. Sorry that my reflecting back on the last 17 years isn't 100% positive; we mustn't forget the dear price we paid to arrive at this point. Thousands of Americans lost their lives on 9/11 and thousands more were lost in wars in the Middle East since then. The after effects of the Great Recession linger; lost productivity, lost opportunity, lost retirements, and for many, lost belief in the American dream leave us all a little poorer, no matter how high the major averages climb. That's the lesson from the Presidential election last month, right?

I know we usually don't think of financial markets in this way, but there's a difference between a milestone and a celebration. Don't get me wrong; I am thrilled that this year has turned into a relatively decent year for investors. Breaching 20 K on the Dow would be a nice way to cap off the year. Even if we have to wait a little longer, it'll still be important and we'll still talk plenty about it.

But what doesn't change is the day to day activities of being an investor or a financial advisor. The actual day that the Dow 20 K milestone happens, like every day before it, should only serve to reinforce a mix of knowledge, memories, sensitivity, lessons, and experiences. It's called perspective. You gain more of that, then you are the better for it. Now, that would be worth breaking out the Dow 20,000 hats.

Thanks for reading,

Mitch

I opened ClientFirst Strategy, Inc. because I believe that the only way to help my clients potentially achieve their goals is by offering unbiased advice & investment management expertise. To my clients, thank you for your continued vote of confidence. If you are not a client but would like to explore the possibility of becoming one, I invite you to call me directly, visit my website, join my email list, and/or connect with me on social media.

To view articles and original content, click HERE.

Your thoughts are valuable! Email me to let me know what you think of this. I'll reply!
[email protected]

All the views expressed in this report/commentary accurately reflect our personal views about any and all of the subject securities or issuers and no part of our compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views we have expressed in this report. This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of sale of any security or other financial instrument. Securities, financial instruments, or strategies mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors. Any opinions expressed herein are given in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only correct as of the stated date of their issue. Prices, values, or income from securities or investments mentioned in this report may fall against your interests, and you may get back less than the amount you invested. The information contained in this report does not constitute advice on the tax consequences of making any particular investment decision. You should consult with your tax adviser regarding your specific situation. Diversification is a method of managing risk and doesn't protect against loss in a down market.

Mitchell O. Goldberg, AAMS, President | Investment Professional

OSJ Manager

ClientFirst Strategy, Inc.

290 Broadhollow Road, Suite 200 E, Melville, NY 11747

(D) 631-920-6622 (F) 631-920-6624 (C) 516-818-0338

[email protected] | www.clientfirststrategy.com

MissionStatement:

To financially empower our clients so that they can achieve their most

important goals and to confidently plan for the future that they envision.

- Asset Management: ~Asset Allocation Strategies ~Unbiased advice ~Strict mutual fund screening ~Alternative investments ~Retirement plans ~401(k) rollovers ~College savings plans ~Donor Advised Fund/ Charitable Giving	- Insurance: ~Life ~Long Term Care ~Disability Income ~Health ~Annuities, fixed & variable ~Life settlements
-Group Benefits: ~401(k) plans ~Group health plans	- Individual Client Services: ~401(k) plan review and advice ~Financial plans ~Specific goal planning

*Some services provided by close affiliations. Additional fees may apply.

Some fees may be lower or may be waived for clients.

Securities & Investment Advisory Services Offered through NEXT Financial Group, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

ClientFirst Strategy, Inc. is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group, Inc.