Summer Solstice

I hope that all of you Dad’s out there had a wonderful Dad’s Day on Sunday. I did. My kids treated me to a round of golf (that took a lot of patience on their end) and then made dinner for everyone. To top it off, they went and got me a bowl of Whit’s. If you don’t know what that is, you must find out; it’s to die for.

Did you know that Father’s Day coincides with the Summer Solstice? That’s the day where the Earth’s North Pole is at its maximum tilt toward the Sun. It marks the beginning of summer, although in Florida we swear it begins in May. It’s also known as the longest day of the year, but my sons swear that day is when they have to endure my golf game. Yet ultimately it’s much more a day of wonder and respect. You see, for eons this small insignificant chunk of rock we call Earth has revolved around a hot molten blob known as the Sun. And for eons, once a year, every year, our home has bowed its northern crown to the Sun in a show of respect and admiration. And for that one day of reverence the Sun has provided nourishment and comfort for another 365 days. Not a bad trade off, huh? I wish I could be worthy of such a reverence, and yet somehow my kids do their best to show me that even with all my warts, I’m still a pretty neat Dad. And I’ll take that all day long.

In the same manner that we look to the Sun for sustenance and strength, it’s Economic fundamentals that provide us with growth and progression needed to help dictate an appropriate asset allocation. Without this compass you can get instability and volatility. These fundamentals act like a compass directing the market upward or downward. But as of late, it’s not been the fundamentals that have been doing the moving, instead it’s been macro influences along with the fear of the unknown that has the market in a flux. Growth vs. Value, Large vs. SMID, Developed vs. Emerging has been the question of the day and yet there Is no clear cut answer to the age old inquiry: what is the market going to do?

In market conditions such as these it is critical to have a plan and an allocation that manages your goals as well as your risk. It’s our job to make sure that this discussion has been had, and that a strategy has been implemented. If you are not currently comfortable with your strategy, let us know. We will be happy to meet and review your specific plan. If changes are appropriate, we will make suggestions that address your specific conditions.

In the interim, let me suggest that you take some time to be with your family and friends. Look for the majesty in creation, go for a walk and look for those things that we take for granted. But above all, enjoy a live well planned. And as always don’t worry, that’s my job.

Sincerely, 

Frank