Staying Calm in a Chaotic World

Last week, the world changed. As we watch the horrifying events unfold in Ukraine and the political and economic fallout, it’s hard not to empathize with those in danger. Our beautiful world has been involved in aggression since its earliest days. From the end of the Second Boer War of 1902, the world has experienced about 33 major conflicts. Unfortunately, war has taken place in every year of the 20th century.

At the end of 1902, the Dow Jones Industrial Average sat at 64.60. Now, some 120 years later the DJIA hoovers around 34,000.

While our prayers are with those suffering, the financial markets have remained extremely efficient in digesting a myriad of economic and geopolitical data. Herein is the very reason for all the ups and downs in the stock market. On a minute by minute basis interest rates, international currencies, crude oil, gold and a host of constant inputs to the markets are evaluated by it and new prices are derived instantaneously.

Remember ... the DJIA was formed on May 26, 1896 and continues to provide effective pricing for the 30 large publicly traded companies that make it up. It has always delivered over time!

Success in all your efforts,

John