March Market Update
The yellow shape represents a to scale size of Russia to the global economy. Ukraine is a fraction of Russia’s economy.
U.S. stocks are stable today following the Federal banks long-anticipated move to hike interest rates for the first time in three years. With uncertainties brought on by the invasion, they reduced the rate hike to 0.25%, calming our markets.
Meanwhile, West Texas Crude Oil prices have dropped dramatically due to recent White House/congressional action combined with the markets starting to look at potential positive economics beyond the invasion. The reduction of oil prices should slow inflationary pressures.
Both these moves are being embraced by our markets as the Fed previously planned to raise rates by 0.5% (instead of the .25%) before the invasion. Wall Street does not like interest rate increases.
Our media is bombarding us with bad news (potential Russia Defaults, Recession, World War 3, Jimmy Carter like inflation, major market correction, …). The chance of any of these is very small. Remember the medias first job is TO SELL ADVERTISING, and we all know what kind of news sells advertising. So, take the media’s projections with a grain of salt.
Here’s the good news we don’t always hear:
- American consumers are spending at high rates
- Interest rates are still very slow
- Silicon Valley is imperfect, but it still leads the world in innovation of technology, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, …
- American capitalism/democracy is still the best government structure (and it’s not perfect)
So please call us if you need reassurances. It’s what you pay us for.
And whether you are Irish or not enjoy this usurped holiday for what it was intended, to forget about yesterday and enjoy today.
In response to the war in Ukraine, Wood Tarver Financial will match every donation made until April 1, 2022 to Global Giving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. Below is a link if you would like to donate.
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/ukraine-crisis-relief-fund/
Upcoming Events
If you are interested in any of these events Please contact us at (208) 343-2001 or email lorena.gonzalez@woodtarver.com to RSVP.
We trust you found this review to be educational and informative.
Let us once again emphasize it is our job to assist you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any matters, please contact us anytime.
As always, we are honored and humbled you have given us the opportunity to serve as your financial advisors.
Eric & Kelly