Investments

When exploring the world of investments, it’s important to gain a broad perspective of the various types for a clear understanding of how each of them can work towards pursuing your objectives. Each has its own investment characteristics which, when applied individually, may not be appropriate for your financial profile; however, when they are strategically combined in a portfolio, they can work in concert to address your investment objectives within your risk parameters. It is, therefore, important to consider all investments in light of your specific objectives and risk tolerance.

Investments for Growth Stocks: You can own a piece of a company on the rise. Companies raise capital for their own investment by issuing shares of stock to the public. After issue, the shares are bought and sold on the open market through stock exchanges. When investors perceive that a company’s future earnings prospects are favorable, they will bid up the price of its shares. Stock prices generally rise in a growing economy, and decline in a shrinking economy. Historically, stock prices have always trended upwards, but the market is always subject to downward swings.

Stock investing involves risk including loss of principal.

Investments for Income

Government Securities: The U.S. government borrows money in order to finance its debt and expenditures. When you purchase a U.S. Treasury note from the government, you are, in essence, loaning it money for which it pays you a fixed rate of interest. Because these notes are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, they are considered to be the safest of investments.

Corporate Bonds: The other way companies raise capital is by borrowing money from investors. A company can sell bonds to individuals, and companies can also raise capital by issuing debt securities. An individual who owns a corporate bond is a bondholder who receives interest payments from the company. Bonds are typically issued in $1000 increments are have a fixed rate of interest attached to it. Because bonds trade actively in the open market their prices can fluctuate, however, if held to maturity, the bondholder receives the full face amount of the bond.

The market value of corporate bonds will fluctuate, and if the bond is sold prior to maturity, the investor’s yield may differ from the advertised yield.

Government bonds and Treasury bills are guaranteed by the US government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.

For more information on Fixed Income, or contact us today.

Hard Assets

Real estate: In recent years, real estate has become less of a sure thing as investments, however, over the long term, they can still be a good hedge against inflation. Investments such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) make it possible for smaller investors to participate in various sectors of real estate. REITs, invest in a portfolio of properties in either the commercial market or multi-family residential market.

All of these investments entail market risk which means there is always the possibility of selling an investment for less than its purchase price. Investors should fully understand their own tolerance for risk and should only consider investing as a long-term proposition. Market risk can be reduced through a well-conceived, broadly-diversified investment strategy consisting of multiple asset classes. Working together, we can help you identify your investment objectives and risk profile in order to create a customized, long-term investment plan.

Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) involves special risks such as potential illiquidity and may not be suitable for all investors. There is no assurance that the investment objectives of this program will be attained.

Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Contact us today to learn more about our personalized investment services.