In the midst of so much going on in the world, we wanted to reach out and wish you good health throughout this difficult period of grappling with COVID-19. We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe. Knowing what to do or how to respond to daily events and news updates can feel like a mystery. Winston Churchill once said that when it feels like “you’re going through hell…keep going!” These words are a reminder for all of us to take a big deep breath and take this one day at a time. Every red light eventually turns green and this one will as well, we just don’t know when, which requires all of us to have faith along the way and to lean on one another.
In regard to your financial situation, we are grateful for your vote of confidence in our work and the many supportive comments we have received in recent weeks. Your support of our work is truly inspiring for each of us and drives us to continue to deliver a high level of tailored service and communication. Thank you from each of us here at the firm!
As we have all witnessed the dramatic and swift decline in global stock prices, we have renewed respect for our Active Risk Management process which has mitigated your portfolio from the catastrophic decline that most investors are currently facing. Many people without an active risk management strategy in place may continue to face scary drops in their portfolios over the coming weeks or months. Catastrophic losses wreak havoc on long term plans to retire, send kids to college or make assets last lifetimes – these are the important things in life.
Though mitigating risk may not be on most investors’ minds during long bull markets – it is essential when economies unexpectedly recede and bear markets roar. During the last recession and bear market (2008) our Active Risk Management process engaged in similar fashion, protecting clients from catastrophic decline and preserving their needs, wants and wishes of life. Our firm was one of a handful that grew during that period – mostly from client referrals and referrals from Charles Schwab for those who needed this very kind of assistance.
In that spirit, if you know of any friends or families who are in a “pickle” with the current market decline and the ensuing economic recession, we are here to help. We would be happy to have a no-cost discovery call to see how we may be able to assist them in avoiding any significant and further downside risk. Let’s not let this happen to them again. In addition, many investors may not be prepared for the inevitable recovery which lies ahead and our team “knows a thing or two” about that as well. They can feel free to call me directly (415) 426-2582.
As directed by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Stay at Home” Executive Order issued yesterday, many of your Main Street Research team members will be working from their designated remote location and our office is closed to the public. We all remain available to you via email or by calling our main line (415) 289 -1010 or our direct phone numbers. If we do not answer immediately, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as quickly as possible. As you know this situation is very fluid and we will continue to provide you with regular updates. We appreciate your patience during these trying times.
Once again from our team to your family we wish you good health and safety. Let’s all keep the faith that “this too shall pass” and we look forward to the light ahead which will inevitably turn green once again.
In the meantime, should you have any thoughts or questions feel free to reach out to us – we are here for you.
James E. Demmert
Founder-Managing Partner