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What a ride these past six months have been!  Before reaching the mid-point of the calendar, equity investors endured the climb to all-time highs, a harrowing 34% bear market drop and a rapid 44% rebound. To put that experience in context, a typical market cycle plays out over three to five years.  Faced with this volatility, some investors resorted to various forms of market timing despite its proven lack of success. After a brief review of the temptations of market timing and its negative impact, we outline actions an investor…

Most high net worth individuals and families employ a collection of professionals to help them navigate their financial lives.  These individuals and families are typically served by investment advisors, tax accountants and estate planning attorneys.   Since the financial landscape is complicated, specialization is necessary to obtain the best ongoing advice.  Aside from the technical expertise of these professionals, it is very important that these advisors work harmoniously as a team to solve their clients’ problems. Following is a very brief description of the roles played by these financial professionals: Investment…

Economic Distancing From an investment perspective, the most important question is how quickly the economy will be able to restart after its suspension caused by shelter at home measures.  Social distancing is necessary to slow the spread of the virus since this practice allows the healthcare system more time to adjust to the strain from the epidemic.  While necessary to limit suffering from the health crisis, this strategy has dire economic consequences. Roughly 70% of economic activity in the United States is generated by consumption.   Economic activity for a portion…

Given the recent extension of social distancing guidelines, we wanted to provide an update on Eagle Ridge’s continued service of clients while doing its part to flatten the curve. Currently, the Eagle Ridge office remains open with Ben and Jesse on-site.  They will conduct trading operations and serve as a hub of communication.  All other employees are working remotely.  This arrangement will continue for the foreseeable future subject to further guidance from local officials. Regardless of physical location, each employee and Eagle Ridge as a firm continues to be fully…

The human capacity for burden is like bamboo - far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance. Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper.Homo sapiens evolved from an ever-changing population of Hominids in Africa to populate every land mass on the earth’s surface and a manned space station with a full-time crew of six astronauts.  As a species, we have survived wars, famines and plagues and adapted to thrive again after the passage of the threat.    The Black Plague decimated millions in China before arriving on Europe’s shores where it killed 30% to 60% of Europe’s population in the mid 14th Century.  While the pace of change was…