We’ve three topics herein. What we’re doing in our office, what we’re doing with our investments, and some perspective on the Coronavirus situation today. Let’s go in opposite order.
Our perspective: track the virus, not the stocks
We’ve assuredly never felt the world-wide fear that we are experiencing now, at least as quickly as we are feeling it. This virus is fast-moving and is already as widespread as were many other pandemics at their peak. The speed is different but the virus, and possible casualties, are assuredly not unheard of. We’ve beaten back the higher mortality rates of many other illnesses. Both H1N1 (Swine Flu) and SARS we survived. On a scale I’ve not seen before, governments and private sector companies are cooperating. For every cause of pessimism, another reason for optimism arises. Government can’t provide testing kits? Suddenly we relax government regulations and get quick approvals. Can’t handle travel? Companies deliver new solutions. Not enough beds? Creative companies and government organizations provide innovative remote solutions. Can’t work? Suddenly companies have work-at-home policies—like the one I outline for our company at the end of this Periscope.
What we’re doing with our investments
As difficult as it may be to believe, we feel confident right now. We have been in contact with investment researchers every day since the first of the Covid-19 infections in the USA. We’ve made changes, recently, and are making more now.
We recognize that all this is frightening. We don’t know the full economic and medical effects of this disease. However, part of our investment discipline is to look beyond the short-term headlines for our clients’ long-term, real-life advantage. Stocks are cheap and unloved. To “be confident when others are fearful” is our situation today. I encourage you to track the virus, not the stocks. And, if you like, call your financial advisor to check in on your personal, real-life financial plan.
What we’re doing in our office
We want to let you know the steps we are taking to minimize the risk of exposure to our team, our clients, and our community.
Effective Monday, March 16, we have implemented our business continuity plan for remote operations. Limited key personnel will be in the office daily, and we will continue to provide our full suite of services to you with a mix of office-based and remote staff. Fortunately, our technology and procedures are already in place for us to continue to offer seamless services to you. We are committed to answering our phones in person throughout normal business hours to meet your needs, as you have come to expect.
At this time, we are asking our financial advisors to work remotely. For your health and safety, we ask that meetings are held via video conference or phone.
Thank you for your continued confidence and trust in our team, and for your courage during this extraordinary time.