September 2021

August is normally a quiet month in the markets, and this month was no exception. August 31st was the lowest volume for the year for the S&P500. We did however see very measured but strong, positive returns. While I'm sure high single-digit or even double-digit returns would be exciting, I'm much more comfortable when index funds produce steady, consistent returns over the long-run. Individual stocks are of course another matter. I am still confident in the short to medium-term in the strength of our economy and the markets. As I have indicated numerous times, inflation will be a source of lasting concern for many months if not years to come. However, as we shift back to an economy driven by larger consumer demand, we will see stocks in the C Fund benefit. Additionally, larger corporations will be able to better weather inflation as well. Hence, my continued shift to the C Fund over the last few months. The Sortino standard deviations for all three funds are almost equal, whereas the standard deviation for the C fund is the lowest - another encouraging sign. I mentioned in last month's post I though the Delta variant would peak in August, and many sources have confirmed that the peak is present in many parts of the country, with the US as a whole just about at the peak. The US and many parts of the world are coming to the realization lockdowns have run their course, vaccinations notwithstanding, and the world will continue opening up for business (e.g., Denmark). Let's be positive, pray for our US Marines, and our country. Keep investing!