First Quarter, 2015 Market Review and Outlook.

It is hard to believe that we are already done with the first quarter of 2015.

Here are some key takeaways from Q1.  Please review the entire 25 page PDF (link below).

• Make sure to look a the 7 keys to success in 2015 on page 2.
• Q1 was choppy but produced positive gains for most investors.  International stocks outperformed the US and REITs continued to outperform.
• The US dollar gained over 10% to a basket of foreign currencies.  This currency impact will reduce earnings for many US companies.
• Oil continued to decline -14.8% in Q1 and is trading in a range of $50 to $60 per barrel.  High oil inventories continue to be a problem and are keeping prices low.
• The FED signaled that it will likely begin to raise interest rates later this year but the increases are expected to be modest.  The ECB and Japan are engaging in quantitative easing to stimulate their economies.
• Now is a good time to rebalance your portfolio and make sure that your risk level is aligned with your long-term goals.
• As you can see on page 4 to 8 of the below PDF, the bull market is over 6+ years old and expected future returns may be lower for both stocks and bonds.  It is important to stay diversified, have a solid strategy and have discipline.
• If you hire an advisor to help manage your money, we believe that you should only hire a low-cost, fee-only advisor who is a fiduciary for you 100% of the time.  Please read our blog – The Pledge Most Advisors Won’t Sign to find out more.

Click here for — Q1-2015 Market Review and Outlook

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All the best,

Todd Moerman

303-549-4720