Somethings are worth repeating. Which is why I would like to restate a couple of points I shared in my previous blog. This is now the longest running bull market in history. According to Wilshire Associates, from March of 2009 to the present, U.S. Equity values have increased by nearly 28 trillion dollars or 337%. This prompts many to ask or wonder when the next Bear Market will occur. Historically, a crisis begins when money gets tight. For example, as the Federal Reserve tightens their monetary policy and the yields on fixed income investments look more attractive, there comes a time when a large enough shift occurs from equity to fixed income. This often times leads to a correction. It’s important to remember that corrections occur often and are a normal part of the investing process.

The simple fact is – the market rotates in cycles. We cannot control the market nor the Federal Reserve. We should focus our efforts more on the things we can control such as portfolio allocation and investment selection. By building “all-weather” portfolios, rebalancing and making adjustments along the way, we are better able to achieve our goals. As always, do not allow short-term events in the marketplace to cause you to alter a well-laid investment plan. Keep faith and stay the course. This is most often the best approach. Have a plan and work your plan.

Any opinions are those of J. Greg Garner 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. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit nor protect against a loss.