A week of heightened chaos
Last week I had an elevated response regarding my thoughts on investing in the community. Hopefully an increased level of awareness of the root causes…and potential solutions, of the deadly gun violence in Shreveport that could lead to brighter days for us all. My friends at Shreveport Citizens United are plowing forward. As are the countless organizations, agencies, educational institutions, and groups of concerned citizens who have toiled in the trenches for years. All in an effort to create a safe place to live and thrive in peace. When we all pull together on a common cause it has been proven, time and time again, that no challenge is beyond our ability to succeed. Your life may very well depend on it…if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
However, these days it just doesn’t do to watch the news. Though you shouldn’t stick your head in the sand, the noise and the chaos can be deafening. The horrible turmoil in Israel/Gaza is enough. Almost drowning out the news on the ongoing Russia/Ukrainian war. It’s a time when it would be comforting to have an adult nearby to lean on. Perhaps a Federal Government that reminds us we are, and will remain, the best nation in the history of the world. The most powerful country in the history of mankind..built upon solid fundamentals of democracy. However, the chaos in the House of Representatives is getting almost as much bad coverage as the conflicts around the globe. Historically, we have always sorted these things out…a few bad apples doesn’t ruin the whole bushel.
I’m concerned for our country, community, family..our very existence. However, I cannot take an eye off the management of my life savings. That which I, like so many of you, depend. So, let me share with you some thoughts of my daily go-to financial information source, Adam Crisafulli of VitalKnowledge. Of course, by the time you read this, God only knows what will have happened. But here’s a snippet of where we are as I write.
President Biden has been to Israel. One must hope that he had an entourage of bright advisors in tow. They headed into a terribly complex situation with global implications. U.S. and Israeli officials trying desperately to create “safe zones” inside Gaza for providing humanitarian support. Work-fromhome rates slump as companies successfully bring employees back to the
office. Putin visits China, reaffirming close ties between Beijing and Moscow. Secretary Yellen reassures Europe that the U.S. will continue to provide financial aid to Ukraine. Russia is hit with massive losses during its latest counteroffensive on Ukraine…underscoring how difficult it is for either side to move battlelines meaningfully.
Meanwhile, several Federal Reserve officials in various speeches have given reasons for…and opinions about…the lack of need for further interest rate increases. The consensus seems to be “higher for longer”. Perhaps no increases, but don’t look for decreases any time soon. Holiday spending by U.S. consumers is set to rise this year. Crisafulli’s list goes on and on, but The Song Remains the Same. Be prepared for a mild economic slowdown. An opportunity for those with some “dry powder” to look for opportunity. Be wary over the short term. Look forward to the long term (let’s call it the latter part of 2024). If that is not comfortable for you, then some pretty compelling rates are available in the lesser risk money market, short term treasury type options.* Riding out this period of chaos on the sidelines might be a more comfortable place for you. That’s okay. However, be aware, that when the tide turns…which it always has at some point…it has done so swiftly, and you often miss a large part of a rebound. Short term “comfort” may not come without a price. At the same time, I am very aware that peace of mind is a priceless experience. Even if you are running the risk of what basically amounts to a market-timing strategy if you intend to jump back in when the coast is “clear”. Lots of moving parts this week.
The opinions, forecasts, and views expressed here are those of Tommy Williams and do not necessarily represent those of Williams Financial Advisors, Private Client Services, RFG Advisory, their employees, or their clients.
This material is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or investment advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, nor an endorsement of any specific trading strategy. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
Securities offered by Registered Representatives through Private Client Services, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory products and services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives through RFG Advisory, a Registered Investment Advisor. RFG Advisory, Williams Financial Advisors, LLC, and Private Client Services are unaffiliated entities. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
*Adam Crisafulli, Founder and Principal Author of Vital Knowledge Media, LLC, 10/18/23 (Adam@VitalKnowledge.net)