Dear Friends,
If you are human, your heart is hurting. You are looking around you and asking hard questions. You are looking within yourself and asking hard questions.
If you are human, you care, you feel and you wish there were some way you could fix things, make things better, undo what has been done. But you can't.
So it becomes a matter of what to do now. As a financial advisor, a Christian and as a fellow confused, shocked and saddened human, I would like to humbly offer some observations and suggestions.
Uncertainty is bound to affect financial markets. When they open, expect volatility. Large traders will be moving money. It will not be surprising to see stock markets drop.
Many people will say many things. Some will predict doom and gloom. Others will see positives and opportunities. Rumors will be spread.
Here is what I hope will happen in the big picture:
I believe the people of this country will unify more than at any time since World War II. Finally, politicians may begin to act more like the statesmen they should be. People will want to help and will find at least small, but significant ways in which to do so. They will donate blood, food and money. They will give of their talents where possible.
Some may act in a racist manner, especially toward Arabs and Muslims. I hope this will not happen and that where it does, others will squelch it. Feelings of outrage and anger are necessary and healthy, but those feelings should be directed only toward those who perpetrate and support these heinous crimes.
Our government will hopefully identify the terrorists and the nation or nations that have supported them. Appropriate military action will be taken, must be taken, or there will be no justice and further terrorist activities will only be encouraged. I don't like this. I tend to abhor violence. But at times there is no alternative, and this is one of those times. It is the only language these people will understand.
The business leaders and consumers of
Friends, I have no easy answers. I am deeply saddened by this. I don't know what the future holds. But I do know that we can affect that future.
Which brings us to our behavior. Each of us must decide for ourselves. But I hope we behave in rational, positive and productive ways.
First of all, pray. Whether you are angry with God or not even sure he is there, it won't hurt. Pray for those who are hurting. Pray for our leaders. And, this is tough… pray even for our enemies.
Where you are able, help those in need. What would you desire people do for you if you were one of the ones directly affected with injury, loss of life, business or property. "Do unto others as you would have them do for you." It need not be heroic. But think of something you can do. And do it.
Financially, I suggest you avoid acting out of fear. Do not panic. Expect short-term volatility in the markets. But in general, stay the course. Consult your advisors if you have pressing short-term needs. Do not make hasty changes in your long-term investments. If you have cash available for investment, look for opportunities and do not be afraid to invest during this time. And continue to spend money much as you would have; help keep this economy moving. Help send a message to the world that we will not be intimidated, that we will not be defeated by fear. Pass this message on, for it is a prescription for stability and resilience.
Sincerely,
Andre Weisbrod