March 2022 – By Bob Veres

If there is one significant fallout that most economists expect to land on American consumers as a result of the war in Ukraine, it is higher gas prices.  Prices tend to reflect supply and demand, and if there are sanctions on Russia’s ability to export oil, that will reduce supply without any anticipated change in demand.  It is estimated that roughly 2.3 million barrels a day of Russia’s 4.6 million output flows to Western nations.

March 2022

We are all watching the many recent events which are impacting the markets.  The military conflict unfolding overseas triggered significant economic sanctions and have increased market volatility.  Additional impacts due to rising energy and food prices along with continued supply chain issues are likely. 

Volatility and risk are part of investing and can test an investor’s resolve.  Whether the source of the volatility is from geopolitical events, inflation, or even a global pandemic, we maintain the belief the best approach is to remain invested, diversified, and focused on the goals and the long-term horizon.  Although oftentimes our emotions are pushed and our fears fueled, staying tethered to a structured fundamental strategy while keeping our goals in mind is the very ballast that keeps us from tipping too far one way or another, leading us toward decisions that can shipwreck our plans.

Turbulent markets can often present opportunities to adjust the portfolio’s tactical exposure within specific sectors, allowing reallocation to favored spaces at attractive entry points.  Our research process includes discussions with experienced fund managers to review the investment outlook given current events and to identify areas with positive risk and reward attributes.     

The team at Vantage will continue to monitor and research as we look for opportunities created by the recent volatility. 

Market Minute

March 2022 – Scott Rosenquist, CFA®

Financial markets have been volatile this year as investors watch for updates on the war in Ukraine and clues from the Federal Reserve regarding the future path of monetary policy. This is a lot of uncertainty for the markets to digest causing volatility across global financial markets. The range of outcomes appears wide at the moment, and we hope there is a quick and peaceful resolution. We continue to monitor the situation with the rest of the world. 

February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many. At FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), their mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. They are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more below and at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance