The Markets
 

The bulls have finally taken command of the market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index shot up to an all-time high eclipsing the 13,000 mark. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ also saw significant gains this month.

Much of April's momentum is due to the feeling that the U.S. Economy is posed for the soft landing predicted by Fed Chairman Bernanke. Earnings reports appeared strong with many of the S&P 500's companies reporting higher than expected earnings (although many of these companies are beating estimates that were lowered during the past quarter). A few mergers have also been announced and unemployment remains low.

The economy is not completely free from some of the concerns that continue to linger over the market. The high risk lending problems plaguing banks may now be spilling over to the auto industry, the housing market continues to slide, and there are still some concerns around inflation and consumer sediment.

Most investors were very pleased with the performance of the market in April. While past performance is no guarantee of future results, May is generally considered a poor month for the markets. Hopefully the momentum gained in April will continue into the summer months.

Research Publications 

 The Office
 

As you may recall from our last newsletter, Brenna participated in the MS walk in Delaware. She was able to raise over $300 for the event. Congratulations, Brenna!

Over the past few months, we have been busy taking steps to provide better information about our company and our services. We are excited to announce that we have created new brochures describing our company, mission, and typical clients. Expect to receive one in the near future.

 

 The Family
 

April marked the start to baseball season. My new team, the Astros, played my old team, the A's, on opening day. Likely one of the strangest games in which I have ever played; we came out on the losing end. We were, however, able to rebound nicely in our second game winning 17-2.

Fenway also started his agility training this month. I might be a little biased, but it does seem as though Fenway is picking things up faster than his peers. Heidi and I are already discussing his first competition!

Fenway and his buddy, Edgar, were also able to do some fundraising this month. Edgar's parents adopted him from the SPCA and suggested that we participate in their annual March for Animals. Along with another friend of ours and Edgar's roommate, Sadie, we walked around Druid Hill park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The SPCA was able to raise over $316,000 during the event.

 

 Our Resources
 

Remember, we help our clients with much more than investment management. If you have any questions regarding insurance, tax strategies, retirement planning, estate planning, education savings, or lending strategies, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment.

We are also happy to provide you with referrals to other resources. We work with professionals in other fields such as real estate, tax preparation, mortgage lending, law (various types), construction, and computers. Just as our clients are spread across the country, so are the professionals we utilize. If you are in need of help with anything, just let us know. If we do not know someone who can help, we will get you pointed in the right direction.