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Atlas Market Outlook – August 1st, 2019

by | Aug 7, 2019

Atlas Market Outlook – August 1st, 2019

Money Management Newsletter & More

Atlas Market Report

August 1st, 2019

Market Commentary (Key items you need to know):

  • Market Outlook by Ronald E. Lang
  • Additional Market Commentary by Allen B. Lang
  • Fun Links (always popular)
(we love your Feedback – email mail us back with your thoughts)

Key items you need to know –

The dog days of August are here. Welcome the heat, humidity and the humor of media moving the markets. We’ve discuss this before, “Headline Risk” is something we will never be able to avoid, especially in this P.C. Social Media world and the Purity Police wagging their criticizing finger as they remain nameless and faceless. What is this 1950’s and 1960’s? Do we need to cut out open mouth kissing in the movies or only show separate beds in the marital bedroom again? Is this the direction we are going? That island to live on is sounding better and better, wanna join me? Personal Rant, Done!
Headline Risk is real and nothing proves that better than the Fed meetings and the decision to raise, lower or keep rates the same. The talking heads and the pundits were in FULL force and dominated the news cycle over the last few weeks. Net result, down a quarter (.25) point. We reduced the Fed Rate by a quarter (.25) point and the markets gyrated up and down the day of and the day after the announcement. Expect MORE volatility. August is a big vacation month, especially with Wall Street. When the trading volume is down, institutions can come in and really push the markets around because there aren’t the quantity of traders from other institutions making the markets or countering some of those large trades. If you are a long-term investor, then don’t pay attention to the swings or the media hype.
This time of the year is great for reviewing and assessing your portfolio. You need to look at your life stage as ask yourself the following questions: (since the last time I reviewed my portfolio…….)
  1. Did your marital status change in the last few years?
  2. How is your health? and the health of your spouse?
  3. Are you at the same “Risk Profile” level as you were the last time your reviewed?
  4. How is your job security?
  5. If we went into a recession, how well positioned is your company to handle that?
  6. Add any more kids? Grandkids?
  7. Have you updated Beneficiaries on IRA’s, 401(k)/403(b), Life Insurance and Annuities?
  8. Does your portfolio have asset protection?
  9. Are you within 5 years of retirement?
By answering these questions honestly and talking to your Investment Advisor, you can review your portfolio and insurance to make sure you are still on the right path for your “Life Stage”.

In Summary

As we did last month, take some time out for yourself and enjoy the good weather, albeit hot! The head and the fresh air does your health and body good! (better than milk!). As always, we welcome your feedback, along with any questions or concerns with your portfolio.
Authored by
Ronald E. Lang, Principal
Atlas Wealth Management, LLC
Investment Advisors & Estate Planners
401(k) Retirement Specialists
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Article on “Portfolio Asset Protection” – CLICK HERE
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Fun Links:
Commentary by Allen B. Lang, Senior Portfolio Manager
LET’S TALK INTEREST RATES and or Congress
What? Again?
Yes, again.
The Fed lowered rates 1/4% on July 31st. Why? Good question. Fed Chairman Powell said it was to keep rates easy so the economy would continue to prosper. WHAT!!!!!
As I have repeatedly said, the lowering of interest rates, WHEN THEY ARE ALREADY LOW, gives us a bad sign. I believe the Fed is telling us that things on the horizon really don’t look that good.
I’m not certain. I like low interest rates, IF, corporations borrow for expansion, mergers and/or acquisitions to enhance their product lines, create more jobs. But, if things are running smoothly, why lower rates???
There is too much political infighting and not enough bills coming out of Congress for infrastructure, which I believe is one of the most important items on the agenda. ALSO, Health Care, which is running rampant with drug costs and care.
It seems that our Congress men and women are too concerned trying to “knock off” each other, and not paying any attention to their constituents. I really can’t wait to hear excuses next year why each couldn’t get things done. Term limits IS the answer. It will force legislators to get in and work from day one to get things done for their communities and their state.
As for the markets, August and the first half of September is typically the vacation time for Wall Street. Don’t look for anything major to happen unless there is major events worldwide that causes either panic or euphoria. In any event pick and choose investments wisely, especially within your risk tolerances. Income-oriented securities would probably not be a bad idea.
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Remember, this article and commentary is not “advice” or any form of a “recommendation”, just opinion and information to consider. Your feedback is always welcomed. Feel free to pass this email along to a friend, family member or colleague. If you don’t want to receive these periodic updates, let us know.

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