Q1 Webinar Recap

Time to read: 3 minutes | 

After a record-breaking year for equity markets in 2017, volatility returned to the markets during the first quarter of 2018. While our portfolios have remained overweight equities through the recent volatility, we believe our portfolios are still well positioned based on our indicators. Here are our key takeaways from Stratos Private Wealth’s most recent Market Outlook Webinar:

• Pros: Earnings growth continues to look solid. Earnings are expected to benefit from the U.S. corporate tax plan that was recently put into place. Ned Davis Research’s measures of economic breadth are still at healthy levels and the global economy is experiencing synchronized expansion.

• Cons:  Improving employment conditions, the potential for a trade war, and other policy mistakes could put inflationary pressures on the economy, which could lead to rising interest rates. The U.S. stock market’s elevated valuations carry extra risk and will require earnings growth to continue before equities become fairly valued.

Now is a good time to review risk tolerance, large holdings of employer stock, and account allocations for investments outside of Stratos Private Wealth.  We will continue to closely monitor our indicators for signs that it is time for a shift in investment strategy.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.