March 2020 Market Commentary

Hello,
All of us at Global Wealth Solutions, LLC hope this note finds you healthy. In lieu of the recent events concerning the COVID-19 virus and the unprecedented volatility in the financial markets, we wanted to reach out with some thoughts based on our experience.

First, we hope everyone stays safe and heeds the warnings from government agencies in light of the unknown. In addition, we want to say we are monitoring the developments that seem to change on a daily basis. This is truly a “black swan” event that can hit the financial markets without warning as to the overall effect and impact. The combination of oil market turmoil over the weekend of March 7th and the escalation of the virus, this has thrown a double whammy to the stock market.

At GWS, we have been cautious over the past due to the valuations of the financial markets based on the CAPE Shiller ratio, among other measures. Thus, during this market rout, we have weathered the storm much better than the indices in general, measured generally by the Dow Jones or the S&P 500. We have raised cash in the portfolios; however, this alone does not guarantee some short-term losses will not be incurred.

We know it is important not to panic at this point or make emotional decisions. It is possible the U.S. Government and/or Federal Reserve will come out with some sort of stimulus that could help in the short term to stabilize things. The Government would like to see this turmoil end with as little impact on the American Public as possible.

Again, we are monitoring developments and hope everyone stays healthy and safe during the coming weeks. It would be our hope that the virus is contained, and the spring months bring about an end to its spread.

Take care and please call if you would like to discuss anything further.

​Advisory services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. (JWCA). Global Wealth Solutions and JWCA are unaffiliated entities.