March Newsletter
March 4th, 2020
Captain's Log


  

Spring is right at our doorstep, just as the groundhogs predicted last month - and my allergy sniffles are telling me now. Growth might be the only thing on nature's mind for the next couple of months, but we want to take a moment to remind everyone that growth is not always the ultimate goal in every situation. It's simply one phase or a part of an overall cycle. 

This month's The Wealth Report covers the topic of US tensions with Iran and how that can affect the economy and markets.  While it is important to be aware of what's going on across the globe, it's more important (in our opinion) to be sure you have a well rounded plan that doesn't rely too heavily on market performance or happenings half way around the world at any given time. Whether it be tensions with Iran over oil production or worries about the Coronavirus, markets have proven lately that they can make significant swings in short periods of time, so it's typically not wise to have a financial plan that's success is dependent on markets cooperating with our expectations of continual growth. This is especially important as you near and enter retirement. There is a place for growth opportunities in all portfolios, but the appropriate mix of growth and safety needs to be taken into account to ensure your overall goals are able to be met in the long term. 

If  there is anything we can assist you with or if you'd like to review your current retirement plan, then just let us know.  And, as always, remember -  The purpose of the money dictates where you put it.  

Until Next Month,
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  James D. Stillman
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The Wealth Report:

Potential Impact of U.S. Tension with Iran

Today, Iran is the seventh-largest crude oil producer in the world. It is reported to possess about 13% of the world's oil reserves and currently generates more than 4 million barrels per day. However, that represents only 4% of the world's total oil production. The sanctions that President Donald Trump re-imposed on the country last year continue to hamper Iran's ability to ramp up oil production.

However, Iran is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); the U.S. is not. OPEC is the reigning body with the power to increase or limit production by member countries. Production levels are what determine the price of a barrel of oil - when the supply is lower than demand, the price increases; where there is excess supply, the price drops. 

Therefore, despite its limited production capacity, Iran does wield a level of power that the U.S. can offset primarily through its own independent oil production. Over the past decade, the U.S. has become an efficient producer of domestic oil through the increase of shale production and other processes. 
 
All content is intended for informational purposes only. Any guarantees are for insured products only and are dependent on the claims paying abilities of the insurer.  All investments carry some risk and you should be advised by your personal financial advisor before implementing any strategies discussed, as they are not suitable for everyone. James D. Stillman is an Investment Advisor Representative of JDS Wealth Management Corporation and AE Wealth Management. 

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