Insights

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! We hope that you and your family had an enjoyable holiday season. We are excited to see what the new year will bring us.

Overall, 2023 was a good year for investors. Interest rates continued to rise, but at a much slower and less consistent pace than in 2022 and recession worries continued to make headlines, however investors still experienced strong positive returns in the major indexes in 2023.  Notably, the year ended on a high note in December as the Federal Reserve decided for the third straight time not to raise interest rates. They also indicated that interest rate cuts were forecasted to start in 2024. Equity markets responded favorably, and investors are seeing the light at the end of the pandemic-induced tunnel. While equities are looking brighter, this year brings a presidential election which could bring major changes. 2024 could prove to be a very interesting year.

We enter 2024 with a service goal of exceeding our client’s expectations and providing them with first-class service. We take pride in providing holistic service and our ability to fully understand and effectively respond to our client’s needs. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with them and want to extend the same service to you this new year. Please take the time to review the 2024 Checklist and call us if you’d like to take advantage of a complimentary financial check-up. We believe a proactive approach that anticipates the needs of our clients is optimal.  

Looking Ahead to 2024

While there are many aspects to overall financial planning, the following are some specific areas we will continue to look at carefully as we head into the new year.

Interest Rates:

Interest rate movements continue to be critical for investors. Since 2022, the Federal Funds Rate rose from a range of 0 – 0.25% all the way up to 5.25 – 5.50% by the end of 2023. Federal officials have indicated this may be the end of rate increases and are watching key indicators to assess if, when, and how much movement we will see in the federal interest rate range in 2024.

Inflation:

Inflationary concerns are important for investors. We saw a significant overall slowdown of inflation in 2023, however, there is still more to be done to reach the Fed’s 2% target. We will continue to monitor inflation numbers as the 2024 data becomes available.

Recession Risk:

While many analysts think we are out of the woods for a recession, there is still a possibility that one could just be delayed. The good news is the likelihood that a potential recession will be severe is low. The economy and employment remain strong, but we will continue to stay apprised of the direction of recovery efforts and how they are affecting the economy.

Stock Market Valuations:

Valuations are used as key predictors of equity returns. While we cannot predict long- and short-term valuations, we help clients identify their risk tolerance and time horizons. We also understand that market volatility is a normal part of your investment experience and strive to help clients use practical behavior when making financial decisions.

Our Client’s Personal Situations:

First and foremost, our client’s personal situations are always our highest priority. We are here to help them with any financial moves or concerns they have. We understand that each individual and household has different goals and needs. We will continue our tradition of keeping our clients informed of any changes that we think may affect their personal situation throughout the year.

We enter 2024 with the continued mantra of “proceed with caution”. Having a solid foundation and strategy is critical to the outcome of your financial plans. Revisiting your plan and keeping it current is also a sound practice we feel should be conducted on a consistent basis.

We want to provide you with guidance and support on your journey toward your financial goals! This is a good time to review your plans with us. We can help you determine if you are on track to meet your long-term objectives, confirm your time horizons and assess your risk tolerance. Call us at 425-646-6327 for available dates and times and get ready to make 2024 a great year on your journey toward your financial goals!

team@stablerwm.com | (425) 646-6327

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Stabler Wealth Management. Stabler Wealth Management | (425) 646-6327 | www.stablerwealthmanagement.com

The views expressed are not necessarily the opinion of LPL Financial and should not be construed, directly or indirectly, as an offer to buy or sell securities mentioned herein. All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment. This article is for informational purposes only. Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice as individual situations will vary. For specific advice about your situation, please consult with a lawyer or financial professional. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This article provided by The Academy of Preferred Financial Advisors, Inc. ©2024