As you can imagine, I am getting a lot of concern from clients about the current markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, as well as the S&P 500 Index, are both negative for the year. Let’s look at both sides of this coin to see if the markets are a trick or treat for you.

If you are at the stage of your investing where you are taking withdrawals, you may not be happy right now. Mutual funds that pay dividends have been decreasing in value while paying a higher dividend. While most of my clients are happy with the increased dividend, no one likes to see their values decrease. Trick or Treat? Maybe this is more like getting a bite sized candy bar vs. a full sized one.
If you are on the accumulation side of the equations, you may be looking at the current markets as a Treat. If you are adding funds to your accounts regularly through payroll deductions, or just a systematic investment, you are buying more shares on sale than you could last year. More shares will equal more dividends and capital gains in the future. This is a Treat!

Whichever way you look at the current markets, remember your time in the markets is what is important, not trying to time the markets. Investing should be looked at as long term, you will be much more satisfied if you take a long term approach. It is your full sized candy bar.

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