These are challenging times for everyone. I am eager for things to get back to “normal” just as you are. We will get there. Many of the things we enjoy most are not available right now, such as traveling, going to church, little league baseball, or just dinner out with family and friends. My wife Kellie has done a great job homeschooling the boys as I know many of you are doing as well. Based on the nightly reports I receive, I think the greatest test during homeschooling is one of patience.
As we adapt to these changes in our daily lives, the stock markets have had to adapt to the new economic realities as well. The longest economic expansion in our nation’s history has ended as the US economy has entered a recession. This economic contraction is quite unique—it’s the first one brought on mainly by governments, as they closed non-essential businesses and initiated social distancing restrictions to mitigate the spread of the virus. Another unique feature: this has the potential to be one of the shortest recessions in history, depending on how quickly the virus can be contained.
We’ve received some better news in the battle against COVID-19 over the past few days. China has contained its outbreak, and its economy is restarting. In Wuhan, the epicenter of the China outbreak, the lockdown is being lifted. In Italy, the epicenter of the European outbreak, a peak in new cases was likely reached last week, and the government is starting to plan for a restart of its economy. The epicenter of the US outbreak, New York, is starting to see a slowdown in new cases. This fight isn’t over, and we cannot fully discount another wave of new cases, but the other side of this crisis is coming into view. The stock market also has started to sense that we’re nearing an inflection point.
This is one of the greatest challenges Americans have faced. Despite being assured the measures being taken are having the desired effects, we don’t have a true playbook for this human crisis. However, the playbook for investing in bear markets and recessions is clearer. We are steadfast in our belief that we stay the course understanding that our money is invested in the ownership of the world’s greatest companies. As hard as it is with today’s 24 hour news media, continue to focus on your long-term goals. We are here to help.
Our entire staff remains committed to you and ensuring your success through this difficult time. While we have temporarily suspended in-office meetings, we are only a phone call or email away if we can be of assistance in any way.
We are all in this together. We will all get through this TOGETHER.