The first quarter of 2019 has ended, and as you might already know, the stock market is off to a great start this year. Our hope is your 2019 has been a success thus far as well. At GFP, our commitment is to help you to preserve your assets and protect your lifestyle. Our mission is to provide education, advice, and perspective on retirement and investment planning.  We are focused on you, your family, your goals and are committed to providing you thoughtful planning coupled with a personalized investment plan.  

This month’s The Guardian Standard Newsletter is part 1 of a 4 part series on investing and the stock market. Future articles will discuss the secular (long term) trend of US interest rates, the Nikkei 225: 1987 to the present, and finally how GFP’s DRAAMS investment management platform can offer a solution for the active management of your assets. Enjoy!

"The Stock Market Always Goes Up!"

The market does not always go up. There have been periods in its history when the long term trend has been volatile and sideways. From 1966 to 1982 the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) lost approximately 10% of its value. What would happen if the market were to enter a similar period shortly before you retire or while you are retired? Are your existing investment strategy and asset allocation adaptable to this type of environment? No one truly knows what will happen, but at GFP we are making sure we consider the possibility and its impact on each client’s unique retirement. We are first and foremost your fiduciary. We believe educating you and understanding history can be helpful to our relationship and our commitment to your long term financial needs. We begin our 4 part series with two graphs depicting the 1966 to 1982 secular (long term) bear market from www.crestmontresearch.com. To view the full article, please click here. 

Quarterly Market Commentary

After posting their worst December since 1931, U.S. stocks surged to their best January since 1987, followed by further gains in February and March. Once again, the markets surprised the consensus and demonstrated the folly of trying to predict short-term performance. Investors who bailed out of stocks during the year-end selloff experienced severe whipsaw as the market rallied. Larger-cap U.S. stocks gained 13.6% for the quarter, placing it in the top decile of quarterly market returns since 1950. To read the full commentary and outlook, please click here.

Are You Protected?

Cybercrime and fraud are serious threats and constant vigilance is key. While our firm plays an important role in helping protect your assets, you can also take action to protect yourself and help secure your information. The attached checklist summarizes common cyber fraud tactics, along with tips and best practices. Many suggestions may be things you’re doing now, while others may be new. We also cover actions to take if you suspect that your personal information has been compromised. To view Tips for Protecting Fraud, please click here.

Have questions? Please contact us at 949.771.2969 or visit us at www.GuardianFinancialPartners.com