LIFESTYLE DRIVEN ADVICE
JULY 2024

Hello ,

As we move closer toward the end of summer, recent headlines are focusing on one topic: the impending presidential election in November. Election season can often be a time of speculation and chatter about how the results could impact the financial markets and, in turn, your portfolio. While this speculation can leave you feeling uncertain, it's important not to let emotions get in the way of your long-term financial goals. To reinforce this thought, let's dive into some historical market performance during the election campaign period. 

There is a wealth of data dated back to 1923 that examines the 12 months before and after a presidential election. Denise Chisholm, Director of Quantitative Market Strategy at Fidelity Investments, analyzed this data and noted, "While the 12 months preceding a presidential election have had the widest range of possible market outcomes relative to other parts of the election cycle, the average return isn't substantially better or worse. Generally speaking, this points to the presidential election not being a notably 'market moving' event".* Historically, factors such as corporate earnings, interest rates, inflation, and economic growth have had and will continue to have a much more significant impact on our portfolios than who sits in the White House or what party wins an election. (*Source)

While it's tempting to let headlines sway you, we encourage you to stay focused on your long-term goals, avoid emotional investing, and remember that diversification is the cornerstone of a resilient portfolio. The best investment strategy is one that is based on sound financial principles and not reactive to political events. 

In company news, we are thrilled to introduce Susan Roach, who joins our Fort Washington, PA office as a new Client Service Associate. Learn more about Susan's role and background in the article below. In addition, check out Brett Bernstein's interview with InvestmentNews where he reflects on XML's journey to independence. Lastly, we are excited to announce a new monthly newsletter section entitled "XML Fraud Focus." Each month, we will highlight tips on avoiding and preventing fraud as well as fraud alerts that could affect you. 

On July 9, we had the pleasure of hosting Jordan Jackson from JP Morgan in conversation with XML President Curtis Congdon for our Mid-Year Market Review. Jordan and Curtis provided valuable insights into the market trends and developments of the past six months and examined what we can potentially expect moving forward, including into the voting season. Look out for our upcoming fall webinars, including one with the BREM Foundation on detecting and preventing breast cancer and one on Medicare Open Enrollment with XML Wealth Advisor, Kevin Peters, CLU^®.

Whether you have questions about investment strategies, retirement planning, or navigating market fluctuations during the months before or after the election, we are ready to assist you every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Stay focused, and have a great rest of your summer!

Best,

XML Financial Group

XML Financial Group
www.xmlfg.com

In The News

What Is A CFP^®

The CFP®️ certification signifies a commitment to competence, ethics, and professionalism in the field of financial planning, making CFP®️ professionals trusted advisors to individuals and families seeking financial advice. XML is proud to have 10 CFP®️ professionals on the XML Advisory Team helping our clients plan for their financial journeys.

Read the full blog post to learn more about the rigourous training involved in this achievement and how that is used to help you in your finanical journey.

XML Wealth Wisdom

On-Demand: Mid-Year Market Review 

Jordan Jackson, Executive Director, and Global Market Strategist on the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Global Market Insights Strategy Team, and Curtis Congdon CFP®, CRPC® President at XML Financial Group on Tuesday, July 9th discussed analysis of the market trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped the first half of the year and what we can expect in the coming months. If you missed this informative webinar, you can now watch the replay! Click below to watch now. 

XML Team News

Introducing Susan Roach

Susan Roach holds a Bachelor of Business Administration/Management from Marshall University and boasts over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. Prior to joining XML, Susan served as a Sr. Fiduciary Client Specialist at Truist Wealth, supporting the entire South Carolina footprint. Her career also includes a role as a Wealth Management Client Service Manager at United Bank.

Read more about Susan and her role here.

InvestmentNews Interview

Reflecting on his firm’s journey to independence, XML Financial Group CEO and Co-founder Brett Bernstein, CFP®, recently spoke with InvestmentNews about XML’s transition from Merrill Lynch. Brett emphasizes the transformative journey from institutional constraints to entrepreneurial freedom as an RIA. He highlights the value of authenticity and creative leadership, managing client assets and driving firm growth through strategic partnerships and M&A activities.

XML Fraud Focus 

Major Health Data Breach for Marylanders

XML Financial Group is committed to protecting clients by actively combating fraud. Our proactive approach includes regular internal assessments to stay ahead of threats, striving to maintain trust and security in all client interactions. Check out our new "XML Fraud Focus" newsletter section, every month for fraud tips and alerts so you know how to protect yourself and your family. 

This month's focus is on a data breach that affected Change Healthcare, the nation’s largest electronic data clearinghouse and a unit of United Health. This breach reportedly affected up to one-third of Americans and released confidential health and personal information onto the "dark-web". If you believe you were effected by this breach, we encourage you to sign up for complimentary credit monitoring services through Change Healthcare. Read more about this breach and learn how to sign up for credit monitoring services below. 

This communication is for information and educational purposes only. This is not a recommendation for the sale or investment in any product or strategy nor should it be perceived as individual advice. Information presented has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and does not represent all available data necessary for making investment decisions. Economic and market forecasts presented herein reflect a series of assumptions and judgments as of the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. Forecasts do not consider the specific investment objectives, restrictions, tax and financial situation or other needs of an individual. Actual data will vary and may not be reflected here. Accordingly, these forecasts should be viewed as merely representative of a broad range of possible outcomes. The opinion expressed by this individual is based on facts and circumstances known at this time, is subject to change and does not reflect the opinions of all financial professionals of XML.