By nature, I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. However, with a global pandemic dominating the news cycle, I admit to having a degree of angst about today and tomorrow. We humans are wired by evolution to pay more attention to immediate threats … “lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!” … than to longer-term concerns. After all, if today could be our last, next year doesn’t really matter. I propose a solution … take a deep breath and consider the following:
From an epidemiological standpoint:
From an economic standpoint:
From an investment standpoint:
We’ve made it to April, and it will be a difficult month. The tide is going out … and it will come in again.
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Any opinions are those of James Aldendifer and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. The above situation is a hypothetical example for illustration purpose only and does not represent an actual investment. Expressions of opinion as of this date are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions, or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Dividends are not guaranteed and must be authorized by the company’s board of directors. Any information is not a complete summary of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Copyright © 2020
*Bespoke Investment Group, “1918 Spanish Flu and the Market”, April 28, 2009
