Happy New Year! As we closed out 2019, it was evident that the equity and bond markets had an impressive year. The S&P index rallied to an all time high, as the US stock market soared. Most amazing is that the US markets have outpaced the rest of the world by nearly 200% over the past decade. Despite these incredible gains, some investors seem to be questioning whether or not the bull market has run its course.

The Bull Isn't Dying of Old Age

In researching this question with several professional money managers, the short consensus seems to be “no”. Most agree that the US should avoid recession in 2020, and instead see gradual global growth. With the stabilization of global markets, international stocks deserve a place in portfolios. Of course, this in an election year for the US. So, expect some political noise, and along with that – persistent volatility. Overall, investors should demonstrate cautious confidence by trusting professional money managers to use their expertise to look beyond traditional asset classes and find the opportunities.

Your portfolios are diversified with mutual funds from well-respected companies like: T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, American Funds, Vanguard, and many others. Maintaining a long-term investment strategy with informed, specific enhancements to the portfolio continues to be our approach to the new year.