If Only the Markets were as Predictable as a Hallmark Christmas Movie

Around the week of Thanksgiving, our staff put up the Christmas decorations early to get in the festive spirit. We have mini Christmas trees adorning our front desk, the largest “skinny tree” you could ever image is displayed in our conference room, and garland is spread throughout each of the offices. You could argue that our office looks like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie, minus all the fake snow.

 If only the markets could be as predictable as a Hallmark Christmas movie. My wife Cheryl likes to watch them, and we joke about how we can typically predict what’s about to happen: girl meets boy, boy and girl fall in love but an excruciating challenge keeps them apart, boy and girl are crushed as it seems that all is doomed until the spirit of Christmas reminds them of their endearing love and emboldens them to find a way to reunite and live happily ever after. Heartwarming, joyful, predictable. If only financial markets were as predictable, but then again, maybe they are.

Approaching the holidays, markets have become frustratingly volatile leading many investors wondering if they shall ever again experience the joy of positive news unwrapping their statements. Like a Hallmark movie, I recommend staying until the end. Long-term rewards don’t come mid-movie, but are reserved for patient long-term investors.

We decorate our office to celebrate many things – our faith, family and friends being together at the holidays, and our clients who we’ve had the pleasure to serve for many years, some for over 30 trips around the sun! In our office, we keep a running list of our clients’ dreams as a reminder of why we do what we do. Many of you have enlisted our trust to create income for retirement, others to send your grandchildren to college, some to create a legacy for your families or the less fortunate. Each wish, goal and dream you have is deeply important to us, just like they are to you.

Although the markets have been up and down in 2018, I assure you that our commitment to serving you prudently endures. I am grateful for the relationships that we have built together and I look forward to serving you, your family and those you love for thirty more years. As we embark on this Christmas season, I hope you enjoy the holidays with loved ones and experience a blessed holiday season.

Warm Wishes,

Jon

Past performance is no assurance of future results. Iowa Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Iowa. Opinions expressed are those of Iowa Wealth Management and are subject to change, not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.