Do You Expect Intra-Year Declines?

We finished 2013 on a good note with the US markets pushing higher.  2014 has started by giving back some of those gains and the question once again becomes is this a pause, consolidation or the beginning of a correction?

I don’t have a crystal ball, but the one thing I do know is that the market usually reverts to its mean behaviors.  That being said, the average intra-year decline since 1980 is -14.7%.  Last year the largest intra-year decline was -6%.  As the chart below shows, it should not surprise anyone to see the market have pullbacks in 2014 and most likely greater than -6%.

A pullback of this level would do a lot to make the US markets more attractively valued than they are currently.  If a patient investor expects these pullbacks, hopefully it will be easier for them to stay the course when they occur.

How Does the Past 5 Year Average Return of the Dow Stack up Versus the Past Peaks?

Please click on the link below:

How Does the Past 5 Year Average Return of the Dow Stack up Versus the Past Peaks?

Another Cliché Year End Blog?

I debated with myself for a little while if it was too cliché to write a blog about the end of the year?  I decided that it was, but I’m doing it anyway…

2013 was a great year for the US markets, but not a great year for a diversified portfolio.  The news media will “squawk” about diversification being dead and that you don’t need it, but all trends revert to the mean and diversification will become important again when you need it most.

 I recommend using the year end to re-evaluate your goals.  To see if you are on track, comfortable with your allocation and the amount of risk you are taking on.  Take a few minutes to be mindful of what we have.  Odds are that if you are reading this there are lots of things to be thankful for.

During the year, one chapter closed and another began.  2013 marked the start of Boon Capital Advisors and 2014 will be about expansion, growing and deepening client relationships.  This has been an amazing year in many ways and I want to thank my family, clients, advisors and friends for all of your support.  Thanks to all of you, I am very excited about the future of Boon Capital Advisors.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!