January 11, 2022

A few weeks ago, my brother and I attended Metallica’s 40^th anniversary concert at the Chase Center. It’s hard to believe Metallica has been creating and performing hard-core music for so long. The concert was great! The perfect mix of the oldies and the goodies. We had such a great time. While at the concert I started to think to myself what life was like 40 years ago. For starters, I was only 4 years old, so I didn’t think much beyond the Smurfs and Scooby Doo. “Physical” by Olivia Newtown John was on top of the Billboard’s chart. Apple was 5 years old and Microsoft 7. Inflation averaged 10.3%, the 10-year Treasury yielded 13.98% and the S&P 500 ended the year at 122.50.  What a world. 

Today, inflation is averaging 6.8%, the 10-year treasury yields 1.75% and the S&P ended 2021 at 4,766.

I am sure you all want to know where I think the markets will end this year. I promise I will tell you. But you are going to have to wait 365 days. You see, if I tried to make a guess, there is a 99% chance I’d be wrong, so why even try. What I do know is there is going to be a lot of volatility this year. Whether it’s the Fed, the Pandemic, China, Russia, or something out of the blue, the market will inevitably be volatile. As I always say, this volatility is simply short-term noise. As hard as it is to do, we need to ignore this and remember our long-term investing horizon. Market volatility on a day-to-day, week to week basis does not matter. What does matter is we live within our means. Make sure there is enough cash flow coming in the door to take care of our living expenses and medical expenses going out the door. After that, hopefully, there is a little something left behind for our friends and family members.

Do you think Metallica band members care about how much money they have at this point in their career? I would say no. They are enjoying themselves by playing fantastic music when they want and where they want. I challenge you to go out and enjoy your life. Make goals and resolutions this year and work hard to achieve them. Travel to places you have never been before. Start a new hobby you have always wanted to start and be the best person you can be.

Thank you so much for being a part of our family. We are here to help you anyway we can whether it’s financially related or not. We wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2022.

A quick random thought: I find it interesting that every year the talking heads on the business TV shows say, “This year is going to be a stock pickers year!” Really? Isn’t every year a stock pickers year?

A message from Metallica:

Never opened myself this way

Life is ours; we live it our way

All these words I don't just say

And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you

Every day for us is something new

Open mind for a different view

And nothing else matters

Craig Rosenblatt, CPA

Financial Advisor

California Insurance License #0E18620

The views stated in this newsletter are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein.  Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed.  Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.  There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Investors cannot invest directly in indexes. The performance of any index is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not take into account the effects of inflation and the fees and expenses associated with investing.