|
|
| J. PINK ASSOCIATES, INC.,
FINANCIAL ADVISORS
555 Taxter Rd. Suite 190
Elmsford, NY 10523
Ph... 914-524-7770
Fax. 914-524-7771
Weekly Market Review |
|
 |
Greetings!
I hope you are doing well and that you had a great week.
I went out on Saturday, in the rain, and played paintball with a group of about 40 guys. In case you're not familiar with paintball, here's the readers digest version of how it's played. Our group was divided into two teams of 20 and we played several rounds that lasted 15- 20 minutes each. Each player has a gun that shoots paintballs which pop when they hit something/ someone. Therefore, if you have been hit (I have the bruises to prove I got hit a few times) you're out for the rest of the round. We then walk off into the woods with our team and wait for the whistle to blow indicating the round is underway. It's really a lot of fun. The first few rounds my team really got crushed. After a few rounds of embarrassing losses we, as a group, discussed that the reason we were losing so badly was because we had no strategy. Rather than playing as a team, we were running off to play as 20 individuals and we were paying the price. Once we developed a team strategy & mentality, our team suddenly did significantly better. We even started winning.
So, why am I boring you with tales of my weekend? Well as I sat around, all stiff and achy, on Sunday morning thinking of all of the fun I had the day before, I realized that developing a team strategy is also critical when addressing investments and financial goals. I believe this is relevant on two levels.
- As you & I work together to keep your portfolio balanced & in line with your goals, we are working as a team.
- In building a portfolio that is designed to be balanced, we do not want a bunch of investments acting like individuals. Instead your investments should act as a team designed to produce the long term results your financial plan outlines.
If at any point you feel we should have a team meeting to discuss our strategy, I would love to set aside the time to talk. Feel free to call me anytime.
Warm Regards,
John
|
| Market Commentary
|
US stock investors were frustrated last week by the announcement from the Treasury Department that they were abandoning their original plan to buy troubled mortgages from banks. Less than 2 months after Hank Paulson had declared that the purchase of the mortgages would be the centerpiece of the bailout package, the government abruptly changed course and concluded that injecting capital directly into banks is the preferred route to take. The declaration left investors confused, wondering if more mid-course changes could occur in the future (source: BTN Research).
The Chinese government announced their own stimulus package a week ago today, a nearly $600 billion plan designed to stir activity through housing and airport construction along with massive upgrades to their nation's infrastructure. Since the Chinese economy is only ¼ the size of the US economy, their $600 billion plan is far more substantial in size relative to our $700 billion rescue plan. OPEC may not get any sympathy from worldwide consumers as the price of oil fell to $57.04 a barrel last Friday, down $90 a barrel from its $147.27 intraday record set just over 4 months ago (source: AP).
A global economic summit ended in Washington D.C. over the weekend, summarized in an 8-page, 47-item "to-do" list for the 21 nations that participated. A follow-up meeting of the group is expected to take place in March 2009 (source: AP).
|
| Notable Numbers for the Week:
|
1. IT GOES BEYOND DETROIT - For every 1 job on an auto assembly line, there are 7.5 jobs in auto-related industries (source: Center for Automotive Research, Denver Post).
2. FINANCIAL HELP FROM THE COMPANY - 90% of the nation's 401(k) retirement plans provide some form of employer-matching contribution (source: CNBC.com).
3. COMING DOWN - The nationwide average price of a gallon of gasoline was $3.86 on 9/17/08 or 2 months ago today. Since that date, the nationwide average price has fallen for 60 consecutive days to $2.11 as of yesterday. The all-time nationwide average record price for gasoline ($4.11) occurred on 7/16/08, $2 more than where the average price was on Sunday (source: AAA).
4. ESTATE TAXES - The maximum amount that a deceased individual may pass onto his/her heirs estate-tax free (with proper planning) rises to $3.5 million in 2009, up from $2.0 million this year (source: IRS). |
|
|
|
|
| Quick Links
Use this link to check our website for information updates. |
|
|
|
, We need your help!!!
Your suggestions are very important. |
| Please help us improve our communications to you. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on how we can improve our weekly emails, or anything else for that matter, please let us know. Communication is critical and any ideas you may have are really appreciated. Is there something we should add, change or remove altogether?
The more guidance you give us the better we can serve your needs.
Thanks. |
| Forward this email
Can you think of someone? |
| Who can you think of that might benefit by reading this email?
Please forward this to anyone or better yet everyone you can think of that might benefit by reading it.
Family members, Co-Workers, Friends, Neighbors, perhaps your Accountant or Lawyer? Heck, even your in-laws might like to read this.
So please, click on the "Forward email" link below and share this edition of "John Pinks' Weekly Market Review" | |
|
|
|
*********************************************************************************
At J. Pink Associates, we do comprehensive financial planning and wealth management for families and small businesses by getting to know the unique details of your financial world and thoughtfully crafting a strategy to identify and support your goals.
********************************************************************************* |
|
This material represents an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed by NFP Securities, Inc. as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. It should also not be construed as advice meeting the particular investment needs of any investor. The indices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be directly invested into. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the US stock market.
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NFP Securities, Inc. a Broker/ Dealer, Member FINRA/ SIPC and a Federally Registered Investment Advisor.
NFP Securities, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice
NFP Securities, Inc. Is not affiliated with J. Pink Associates, Inc., Financial Advisors
| |
|
