ARGI Insight - November 2015
DECEMBER 2015
IN THIS ISSUE




To celebrate 20 years, let's take a look back
celebrate
Hard to believe it will be 20 years on December 31st since Bill Watterson drew his last "Calvin & Hobbes" cartoon!
Upcoming ARGI Events
events
Celebrate the Holidays with ARGI - Louisville
Thursday, December 3rd
Bring the kids or grandkids and join us for cookies, crafts and pictures with Santa!
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM | ARGI - Louisville
Register for event

Celebrate the Holidays with ARGI - Bowling Green
Bring the kids and join us for cookies, crafts and pictures with Santa!
Saturday, December 5th
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | ARGI - Bowling Green
Register for event
Your Year End Financial Checklist
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The end of a year makes us think about last-minute things we need to address and good habits we want to start keeping. To that end, here are seven aspects of your financial life to think about as this year leads into the next...  

 
Your investments. Review your approach to investing and make sure it suits your objectives. Look over your portfolio positions and revisit your asset allocation.

Your retirement planning strategy. Does it seem as practical as it did a few years ago? Are you able to max out contributions to IRAs and workplace retirement plans like 401(k)s? Is it time to make catch-up contributions? 


 Click here to read more... 
From the Desk of Clay Keeley, Manager of Investment Education and Communication
Should We Worry About a Rate Hike?
fromthedeskof
The last rate hike made by the FED was in June 2006. Similarly, other long periods without a rate hike were from 1989 -1994 and 2000 - 2004. Five years is not rare but certainly nine years is the longest stretch between rate cycles.
However, history does show that no bull market ended after the first rate hike.
Sure, it could be different this time given the magnitude and duration of this cycle. The FED has never waited longer than five years into a bull market to start raising rates.

Usually the FED starts raising rates when the bull market phase of the S&P 500 is generally only about half-way complete, and a market peak, on average, doesn't follow until three years after the first rate hike. The shortest lag on record from the first rate hike to the peak in the market was in the 1960's which peaked 18 months later.

But again, historically we are usually well into several rate hikes before a market peak and a bear market begins. See Chart below.


From the first rate hike to the last the average rate increase is 350 basis points (3.5%) from the lows before the market enters into a bear phase. The shortest run up was in the 1960's and rates were increased 130 basis points (1.3%) before the bear market began.

So, should we worry? Yes and No. Yes because certain sectors of the markets will be affected more than others with rising rates. No because inflation by its very nature means the economy is growing and the FED, by raising rates, is attempting to tame inflation so it doesn't get out of control.

At ARGI we believe the key is to remain diversified*, not only in US markets but in markets and sectors all over the world. We continue to monitor trends carefully but not react hastily or follow a herd mentality. Our core belief for each client is to remain diversified and invested for the long term in line with risk parameters and long term goals - regardless what the FED does.



*Diversification cannot ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
Community Corner
community
This holiday season, ARGI employees are giving back in a lot of ways, at all of our locations.  

From Angel Trees
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to Toys for Tots to Family Scholar House, our ARGI team is working to help less fortunate families have a special and memorable holiday season.

To learn more about these charities or how you can help, please click on the links above.

'Tis the season - to give!
Congratulations Corner
congrats
Congratulations to Hank Davis on the completion of the beautiful renovation to his store, Davis Jewelers!  
Visit them at 9901 Forest Green Blvd., and see for yourself!
Respective services provided by ARGI Investment Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser, ARGI CPAs and Advisors, PLLC, ARGI Business Services, and Advisor Insurance Solutions.  All are affiliates of ARGI Financial Group.  When you link to any of the websites provided herewith, you are leaving this site. We make no representations as to the completeness or accuracy of the information provided at these sites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or use of third party technology, sites, information and programs made available through this site. The opinions voiced in this publication are for general information only. They are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investment decisions should be based on your individual objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon.
 
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