Folks,
I’m sure you have seen/read/heard about the recent events in the banking sector. Over the last several days, a number of banks have collapsed and been taken over by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
These bank failures caused significant concern about the banking sector in general.
The link below is a detailed explanation of what happened to these bank from Kestra Investment Management. My own analysis of the situation is that each of the failed banks were somewhat unique situations and that the overall banking sector remains safe and secure. . Over the weekend, the Federal Reserve in conjunction with the Treasury Department and the FDIC implemented steps to make sure all depositors at the failed banks were covered 100%. This seems to have mitigated the risk of the situation spreading to other banks.
https://www.kestraim.com/market-insights/markets-in-a-minute-svb-3-14-23
The reaction in the financial markets was that stocks, especially bank stocks, declined while bonds, especially government bonds, gained in value.
Given the recent downtrend in stocks and breaking below the 3,940 level on the S&P 500 that I highlighted in my March Outlook, we lowered risk in our portfolios by raising some cash and shifting some equity exposure to protect downside risk. We did this because right now we see the potential for further downside being greater than the potential for reversing to the upside. If we are wrong, we will miss out on a few percentage points but that is a price worth paying to mitigate further declines in portfolios.
I hope this note is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Jim
Although information herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable, its accuracy and completeness are not asserted. All opinions and estimates included in this report constitute the judgment of the financial advisor as of the dates indicated and are subject to change without notice. This report is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security.
Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or a loss. Diversification does not ensure a profit or ensure against a loss. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Past performance is no assurance of future results.
Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. Please see a prospectus containing this and other information. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.
Information provided should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matter with the appropriate professional.