"The four most expensive words in the English language are, ‘This time it’s different.’"

– Legendary Investor, Sir John Templeton

In past newsletters, I’ve often shared life lessons, experiences and stories that were deeply personal to me and my family. The impact of today’s market conditions and seeing investor statements depreciate is also very personal to me. Being so, I felt it was important to use this month’s newsletter as an opportunity to share my market perspective.

It has been 13 years since our last recession which officially ended on March 9, 2009. Today's recession is long overdue. For the past six years, the KIG team has been preparing for it based on market history and knowledge that recessions traditionally occur every seven years on average. After 29 years of managing through a variety of market conditions, I’ve learned to embrace opportunity during times of uncertainty. The opportunity today lies in the bond markets as today’s conditions are creating tremendous sales prices. Unlike stocks, bonds have maturity dates that allow investors to know exactly when they will get a return on their money.

In March of 2020, many clients wanted out of the market. Undoubtedly, things were different as the world shut down to protect human life from a lethal virus. At that moment, we also saw opportunity through the uncertainty. With people around the globe forced to quarantine at home, they certainly would require some much needed necessities – internet, cable television, food, water and, of course, toilet paper. We immediately overweighed communication and consumer staples and avoided the likes of cruise lines, airlines, automobiles, shopping, strip/mini malls, restaurants, brick and mortar retail, hotels, travel, media, publications, production studios and theme parks. We continue to avoid those sectors today. The opportunity in the bond market appears to be a once in a lifetime occurrence. With nearly three decades of experience, I have learned that managing investor emotions is a much greater challenge than managing money. As always, we embrace and welcome your questions, concerns, fears, emotions and doubts. It only makes you human to have the fight or flight market perspective. I hope this month's newsletter provides some perspective of how we are managing toward outcomes – and never toward the market.  I can assure you that while this recession will include a fair amount of discomfort, pain and uneasiness, the opportunity will be well worth it when prices reset to fair value.

On behalf of everyone at KIG, thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter and the opportunity to serve you.

Best Regards,
Jack

Any opinions are those of Jack W. Kennedy and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Sector investments are companies engaged in business related to a specific sector. They are subject to fierce competition and their products and services may be subject to rapid obsolescence. There are additional risks associated with investing in an individual sector, including limited diversification.

All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and are subject to change. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or that any of the forecasts mentioned will occur. Economic and market conditions are subject to change. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of capital. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. The market performance noted does not include fees and charges which would affect an investor’s returns. Past performance may not be indicative of future results.

Investment products are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value. Raymond James financial advisors do not render legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding legal or tax advice.