July-Here’s To Your Wealth

So far this year, the “sell in May and go away” strategy has been a flop as the U.S. stock market continues its summer rally. What might be more surprising is that some of the year’s biggest winners have been the emerging markets and high yield bonds. The high yield recovery is something we have written about; it is largely a result of these bonds recovering from an oversold condition brought about by the plunge in oil prices in 2015.

The emerging market story, however, is a bit more complicated. The positive outlook we have seen recently has been driven by a forecast for higher earnings among developing nations. Many more developed markets have less rosy profit forecasts. This is particularly alarming given that many developed countries have been engaging in economic stimulus through their (near) zero percent interest rate policy. These low rates are designed to revive sluggish economic growth but they are not achieving their objective.

There are several reasons for the resurgence of the emerging markets. For starters, political risks, normally the domain of smaller, lesser developed countries, are now spreading to the developed world. Analysts have pointed to increasing global uncertainty linked to the spread of terrorism and the political backlash that may follow. In addition, firmer oil and commodity prices also tend to help many of these developing economies. The drag of regulation, a cost to businesses, is also more pronounced in developed markets relative to the newer upstarts. Add all that to the favorable valuations from years of under-performance, and emerging markets have been one of the hottest places.

As usual, there is a counter argument, and that can been seen in concern about China’s debt levels, the recent coup attempt in Turkey, tensions in the south China Sea, and the risk of oil prices retreating again, especially if the global economy drags.

Our feeling is to wait this one out. Stick closer to home and don’t overweight this area. Like any family, the United States has issues, and they are certainly being made public at the recent political conventions, but, as the saying goes, we are the cleanest dirty shirt in the closet.

QUOTE OF The Day:  As I get older, I get smaller. I see other parts of the world I didn’t see before. Other points of view. I see outside myself more. Neil Young

Please call us with any questions you have on your personal situation.

Mark Avallone, MBA, CFP®, CRPS®. www.PotomacWealth.com

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This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding any funds or stocks in particular, nor should it be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee against loss. They are methods used to manage risk.
* Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
*The economic forecasts set forth in the presentation may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
* Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

About Mark Avallone, MBA, CFP®, CRPS®, AIF®

Mark Avallone is the author of Countdown To Financial Freedom, and founder and President of Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC a financial advisory firm serving clients through holistic financial planning and wealth management. Avallone writes on a variety of financial topics, and his contributions have appeared in the Wall Street Journal as well as in Forbes where he is a regular contributor. He is a frequent guest on CNBC, the Fox Business Network, and local NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates in Washington, DC. His insights have also been published in USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, and other leading publications   Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC or CES Insurance Agency. www.finra.org and www.sipc.com This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, MD, MA, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TX, VT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various state regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC, 15245 Shady Grove Rd., Ste 410, Rockville, MD 20850 301-279-2221

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