If you need to make portfolio adjustments – now is the time.
By Chris Merchant, CFP®, BFA®
The bull market that began on March 9, 2009, is now the longest in history. Its duration as of August 27, 2018, was 113 months and 18 days1. The bull market is also the second-highest by total return, rising 323 percent2.
Since 1926, the stock market has had 10 other bull markets. The average length is 55 months, and the average return is 160 percent3. As you can see, the current bull market has lasted more than twice as long – and risen twice as high – as the average.
Given that historical perspective, I believe this means that we are at the top of a stock market cycle.
Of course, this does not mean that the stock market will crash next week, or that there is imminent danger. The market could continue its unprecedented rise for several more months or even years. It only means that now is a good time to educate yourself on the risk level in your portfolio and to perhaps tilt towards a more defensive position.
At Hunt Country Wealth Management, we review our clients’ portfolios and strategies on a regular basis to ensure alignment with their goals and objectives. In doing so, we do not try to predict the future; we only help our clients prepare for it. If you or someone you know would benefit from a risk assessment, please contact our office.
Sources: (1) JP Morgan Guide to the Markets. (2) S&P Dow Jones Indices Data. (3) JP Morgan Guide to the Markets – Bear Markets and Subsequent Bull Runs, 6/3/18.
