Finally, we broke the trend of the last two months with a week of gains.
Of interest was the S&P 500 index bounced off 3900 for the fourth time.
There was much talk among analysts this could be a sign of the bottom.
While I am glad that we put in some positives for equities markets that had little or nothing to be positive about, this is far from over in my opinion.
We also got some inflation data late in the week that indicated inflation isn’t going away soon, but that it might be leveling off.
There also were calls that there is value to be had in this market.
I will say that multiples were cut from the mid-thirties and twenties down, but far from value.
Of the most significance, it is assuredly not different this time. That is the one thing that makes me almost certain that it will get worse before it gets better.
When analysts run out of ideas they will throw out that this time it is different and all the old measures mean nothing.
Does anyone see this as ignoring history, or is it just me?
Probably just me being an old guy.
Good luck with that as I have heard it before and it was almost the signal to take cover.
In this holiday-shortened week, I thought I would give an alternate perspective to investing.
I am a firm believer in service above self and treating others as you would want to be treated.
As such, part of investing is not just dollars and cents.
It also has to do with what you seek to give back to society.
This last weekend has meaning to me as my daughter was born on Memorial Day weekend and I got married on Memorial Day weekend.
For many, it is just the beginning of summer.
My father and all my uncles served.
When my time came I had a college deferment and then the lottery.
I didn’t serve and my family didn’t lose someone while serving.
It is why I think it is so important to give back.
It is not important what you do, but that you at least give the effort.
This is not about awards, but just serving your community anyway you can.
I have found the rewards far outweigh the effort.
It is a small gesture over giving one’s life for their country, but it is at least an investment you can make.
With all that said, I hope your summer is full of fun.
I think mine will be more working on many long overdue projects.
That is the price you pay if you like to do things yourself.
I believe that you get out what you put in.
That is not to say that I am one of the first to defer to those with more skills than I possess which is not a high step.
This is the time of year that markets tend to drift and one has time to evaluate where you find your investments.
This year has been volatile so we may not have the lazy hazy days of summer but a hot time in the city.
Always pay attention and stay alert to any changes.
I will not buy into it is different this time but it surely much more volatile.
