The marathon presidential election campaign finally (hopefully) will come to an end tomorrow after countless polls, surprises and shifts in sentiment. Markets have become more volatile in recent weeks as it has approached Election Day. With ballots about to be cast there are three possible stock market outcomes on Wednesday: the markets surge, tread water, or plunge.
It is in emotional and turbulent times like these where being disciplined and sticking to an investment plan is most difficult, but often most rewarding. The investment plan spells out what to do when certain investments rise or fall and can take the emotion out of the equation, which can otherwise drive counterproductive decisions.
If stock markets surge we recommend selling gains from stocks and adding to the fixed income holdings. While the past month has seen stocks decline, a large jump in stocks may see equity allocations push past their targeted thresholds.
If stock markets tread water than the election played out largely as the markets had expected and no moves will likely need to be made.
However, if stock markets plunge we recommend looking to add to US and/or foreign stock holdings if they have fallen below their target thresholds. In this instance we would recommend selling from the fixed income allocation as it will likely be up. Higher credit quality fixed income provides stability in times of high volatility; specifically for situations like this.
These are the action plans we recommend implementing following the election. Regardless of the outcome, if you stay disciplined to your investment plan the election will be at worst a small bump in the road on the way towards retirement.
| Index Performance | Oct. | YTD | Trl 1 Yr |
| US Stock (Russell 3000) | -2.16% | 5.84% | 4.24% |
| Foreign Stock (FTSE AW ex US) | -1.34% | 4.75% | 0.96% |
| Total US Bond Mkt. (BarCap Aggregate) | -0.76% | 4.99% | 4.37% |
| Short US Gov. Bonds (BarCap Gov 1-5 Yr) | -0.21% | 1.97% | 1.52% |
| Municipal Bonds (BarCap 1-10yr Muni) | -0.58% | 1.98% | 2.40% |
| Cash (ML 3Month T-Bill) | 0.03% | 0.27% | 0.31% |
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