Wishful Thanking 2019

In honor of Thanksgiving, we take the opportunity to highlight all that investors have to be thankful for this year, and we start our holiday wish list.
Giving Thanks
Contributed by Doug Walters , Max Berkovich
In 2019 investors have much for which to be thankful. Years like this do not happen often. Just think back to where we as investors were sitting this time last year (see Wishful Thanking 2018). Enjoy it and do not take it for granted!
As has become tradition, we take the opportunity around Thanksgiving to compile a list of investor’s thanks. In addition, we have once again put together our holiday wish list.
- Thank you U.S. Equities… once again, you are the shining star in investment portfolios. Diversification is essential, but sometimes you make us question why.
- Thank you every other major asset class we own… while you may not have outperformed U.S. equities, you are all in positive territory.
- Thank you technology companies… not only do you provide us with an endless stream of new gadgets, but your stocks are also amongst the best performers this year.
- Thank you U.S. economy… low unemployment and rising wages are providing U.S. consumers the confidence to frequent the checkout line. Cha-ching!
- Thank you Disney… you keep our families entertained (Disney+, Frozen II, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker), and our portfolios growing with your stock up nearly 40% year-to-date.
- Thank you clients and Insights readers… your patronage and regular feedback keep the Strategic Investment Team energized for another year!
Holiday Wish List
The holidays are a time for giving, and at Strategic Service is one of our core values. Yet, we cannot help wanting more for our clients and have thus begun to put together an investor wish list for the holidays and beyond.
Catan
Signs of genuine progress on a China trade deal would be a real plus for investors. “Phase one” alone may not be enough to generate excitement.
Blocks
For three years in a row we have asked for more bipartisanship on no-brainer legislation like an infrastructure bill. We are not holding our breath.
Holiday Sales
Those of us with a value bias in our investing philosophy would love to see cheaper stocks post market-leading returns. It has been a while.
Machi Koro
The U.S. economy could use some help from our international peers. Strength abroad could help extend the expansion.
Baby Yoda
For all its marketing prowess, somehow Disney failed to predict the popularity of the “baby Yoda” character from the Mandalorian series. Keep your eyes peeled for late arrivals to the holiday shopping shelves.
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Founded in 1979, Strategic is a leading investment and wealth management firm managing and advising on client assets of over $1.8 billion.
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