Emotions are running high for many people with the outcome of today’s Presidential election hanging in the balance. A lot of speculation has taken place these past weeks as to what affect the outcome may have on the financial markets in the four years to come. In reality, we do not know.

What we do know is that stocks have historically done well regardless of whether our President has been a Republican or Democrat. And while fiscal and monetary policy certainly can play a role in investment strategy, it is ill-advised to make changes in strategy based on one’s feelings about the President. Investors sometimes forget that they are not investing in whoever is sitting in the White House, but rather in companies’ ability to grow their profits and pay dividends. Many investors driven by their emotions over the years have strayed from their investment objectives and policy only to miss out on attractive gains that can never be recouped.

Hopefully these thoughts will help us keep the election results with respect to the financial markets in perspective.

Glenn S. Rank, CIMA®

Certified Investment Management Analyst®

President