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Economic Commentary 2020Q3

Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
July 16, 2020 Category: Economic Commentary, 2020Q3

Summer is here: Making lemonade out of lemons The great poet Ralph Waldo Emerson famously wrote, “Do what we can, summer will have its flies.” As we head into the summer months, this mood may best describe nervous investors who recently experienced large bouts of market volatility due to the spread of the coronavirus. The S&P 500 Index fell 34% from its all-time high reached on February 19 to its low on March 23. While it has recovered since then, we are seeing global economic activity reflects the implementation of mandatory “shelter-in-place” policies. Simultaneously, extreme moves in the oil market — with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil futures prices at one point trading in negative territory due to fears of oversupply — caused additional distress in markets. Globally, central banks and governments stepped up to provide unprecedented levels of stimulus measures on both the monetary policy and fiscal fronts. We see three investment implications from this stimulus. First, we would like to maintain core benchmark holdings and rebalance selectively into risk assets such as credits. Second, we see coupon income as critical in a low-yield world and prefer allocations to corporate credit and even select equity industries. Finally, we would maintain resilient portfolios by focusing on U.S. equities and diversifying perceived safe havens, such as U.S. Treasuries. Investor risk sentiment began to improve in line with reduced market vola

Economic Outlook

Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
July 16, 2020 Category: Economic Outlook, Q3, 2020

The second quarter of 2020 was one for the history books. COVID-19 caused a global pandemic that led to deaths in more Americans than the wars of Vietnam, Korea, and the Gulf Wars combined, and led to “stay-at-home” mandates that caused a sharp, deep recession in Q2 when nearly 20% of Americans were unemployed.1 In May and early June, after many thought the curve of new coronavirus cases had been successfully flattened, economic reopening occurred across the country. Within weeks the virus spread, however, and the US entered the July 4th weekend reporting record numbers of new cases of over 50k/day.1 This is double the rate seen in mid-May with total cases now totaling 2.8m, up from 200k cases at the end of Q1.1 Reopening plans have been rolled back in many states. Generally, the level of uncertainty regarding the virus is growing, not falling.   Despite this environment, risk assets enjoyed strong rallies throughout the quarter, leading to discussions of the disconnect between Main Street and Wall Street. Backed by massive monetary stimulus from the Federal Reserve, fiscal stimulus from the Treasury, some early success in the reopening and hopes for a vaccine, US stocks had their best quarter since the fourth quarter of 2008.1 US stocks were again led by the large-cap Technology and other popular growth stocks, leading to concerns of narrowing market leadership that has some resemblance to the dot.com period of the late-90’s.  After falling 35% i

HealthWatch: Probiotics

Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
July 16, 2020 Category: HealthWatch, Probiotics

Are you currently taking probiotics to improve your gut health? New research from the American Gastronenterological Association is showing that it might not be as helpful as we are led to believe.  Since researchers started to learn more about our gut bacteria, or microbiome, probiotics have become more popular.  Yogurt and dietary supplements contain certain bacteria and yeast, which are organisms found in probiotics. Depending on your location, you can find probiotics sold over the counter or by prescription.  Since probiotics are not considered drugs in the United States, they aren’t regulated in the same way as other pharmaceutical products. This can lead to an increase in misleading information and has acted as a barrier to scientific research when it comes to how helpful probiotics actually are.  For example, research has found there isn’t enough evidence that suggests the use of probiotics to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or IBS. The American Gastronenterological Association told some people to consider stopping probiotics because of the limited evidence we have that it’s helpful for those specific diseases.  It’s always important to consult your doctor when you decide to start taking a probiotic if you have a compromised immune system. When taking probiotics, the tiny microbes inside can actually lead to infection. When consulting with your doctor this question might not have simple answers, as th

Letter from the President Q3

Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
July 16, 2020 Category: Letter From The President

One of the many challenges posed by COVID-19 is the end of the year celebrations for new grads. In the Lineweaver household, this has been especially difficult for my eldest daughter Tori, who graduated this year from Miami of Ohio! Kathy, myself, as well as Tyler and Delaney, could not be more proud of Tori and her success. I was lucky enough to have her join me for two of our weekly Financial QuarterbackSM segments, to talk about financial concerns and strategies that all new grads should consider. The first thing Tori and I talked about is that choosing the right benefits is an important first step. Some new graduates might be able to stay on their parents’ health insurance until the age of 26, which can help save on some of the initial costs. If not, make sure to look over all the options to find the right insurance that fits your needs and budget. Many jobs will also give you options when it comes to life insurance and disability. When you’re young something such as disability or life insurance doesn’t strike you as important, but you have to be prepared for unexpected circumstances. It’s critical to protect your most valuable asset, your ability to earn an income. We also talked about how important it is to set up your 401(k) or IRA, maximizing, and matching contributions. Compounding can help your money grow faster! Also, establishing and using credit responsibly, paying bills on time every time,  is critical for future purchases like a ca

5 Steps to Transitioning into a Successful Retirement

Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
July 14, 2020 Category: Retirement, General, Steps

Are you looking to start the transition into retirement? If so, we have prepared 5 critical steps to take into consideration when transitioning into this new chapter of your life. When preparing for retirement there are plenty of important decisions running through your mind. We have compiled these steps in order to help guide you along the way.  Step 1: Plan for Increasing Healthcare Cost When it comes to healthcare, you have to be prepared for what could happen in the future. Fidelity does a study every year into the average cost of healthcare for a couple who is aged 65 and retiring. In 2019 it was estimated they will need $285,000 for healthcare and healthcare-related costs. This cost, unfortunately, will only increase significantly each year.  Step 2: Consider Long-Term Care According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people aged 65 or older are likely to need long term care at some point. With such a high percentage of people in need of long-term care, it’s something to keep in mind when making the transition into retirement.  Step 3: Change Your Money Mindset After retirement, the way you invest will also begin to change. What this entails is changing your mindset from saving to spending and preservation. This means that making contributions and growing your assets becomes investing for protection, aiming to safeguard your wealth, and making sure that you will have a good, steady income stream. It’s often dif