January 7, 2025

From Rick's desk...

Evaluating Stock and Bond Market Predictions From 2024

Dear Clients and Friends,

With 2024 now behind us, it’s a great opportunity to both celebrate the successes and reflect on the lessons learned from the past year.

Our team at LPL is pleased to report that, overall, we made more accurate calls than missteps, although there were a few moments where things didn’t unfold as expected. These occasional misses offered valuable insights, helping us refine our approach moving forward.

One of the most impactful decisions we made in 2024 was recommending that investors stay fully invested in equities at benchmark levels throughout the entire year, despite anticipating a potential pullback around Election Day. This recommendation proved to be well-timed, as staying the course in equities delivered strong results for our investors.

Of course, not every call was a home run, and there were areas where our team at LPL had to make course corrections. However, each adjustment helped us improve our process and stay aligned with the broader market trends. As we move into 2025, we're committed to continuing the practices that worked well while learning from the challenges we faced in 2024. To read this week's Market Commentary in more depth CLICK HERE.

Thank you for your continued trust in LPL Research and WFG Wealth Management as your investment partners. We remain focused on delivering consistent, thoughtful guidance to help our investors navigate the complexities of the market. We appreciate your interest in the content we share with you each week, and we’re excited to work together in the year ahead.

Best regards,

Rick

Richard B. Welsh, A.A.M.S.

Founder & President

A Personal Note From Marie

Dear Clients & Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. This week, I find myself taking some personal time away from the office following the passing of my father. As such, I am not able to provide the usual financial planning insights or updates at this time.

While I always strive to keep you informed, this week I ask for your understanding as I focus on my family during this difficult period. Please know that our team remains available to assist with any questions or needs you may have.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to reconnecting with you in the coming week.

Best,

Marie

Marie A. Welsh

Partners & Chief Operations Officer

The Heart Of The Journey

This week, as I navigate the loss of my father, I’ve been reminded of the profound and complicated meaning of family. It’s not always easy, but the importance of being together—through both joy and sorrow—is a fundamental need for all of us. In these moments, I’ve witnessed the remarkable strength and love of both immediate and extended family and dear friends, who have come together to offer unwavering support.

Holding your loved ones close is more than just a sentiment—it’s a philosophical truth, one that underscores the very essence of the human journey. Life is fleeting, and the connections we cherish are what truly anchor us.

Take the time to be present with those who matter most. It’s not just a platitude—it’s the heart of what makes this life worth living.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

Please Note: We cannot accept buy and/or sell requests for securities via email / voicemail as there's no assurance that the message can be retrieved on a timely basis nor any method of confirming client identity, therefore the request will not be executed. Please contact me by telephone to place any orders.