Like many others, I have the same thought when I wake up each day - which Donald Trump will we see today?
Will it be the "good" Trump, the one that stayed on focus in his first address to Congress, detailed a positive outlook for the country and received good reviews from friend and foe alike?
Or will it be the "bad" Trump, the one that tweets unfounded accusations about Obama and causes unnecessary controversies that detract from his legislative agenda?
Up until now, the stock market has shaken off the "bad" Trump and has risen on the tide of positive sentiment about the economy and the hope that tax reform, a sizable infrastructure spending bill and cost savings from reforming Obamacare will spur economic growth.
But what if that changes? What if the scandal over Russia, or the controversy surrounding Attorney General Sessions continues to grow? What if the legislative agenda goes nowhere or, as looks likely, is enacted more slowly than hoped? Or, Or, Or .....
The now more than 8-year long bull market, the second longest in history, has proved to be very resilient, but is starting to show signs that it is getting tired. We all know that corrections are a normal and healthy part of any bull market, but last year's was so short lived that many people have forgotten about it.
I don't want to sound like a broken record, but in an environment like the one we are in - with political uncertainty mixed with a long bull market (and don't forget to throw in a Fed that has begun raising interest rates) - you can not communicate with clients too often.
When you do communicate, be honest and prepare them for the bumps that are sure to come. Remind them what you do to ensure that their portfolio is created and managed to withstand the ebbs and flows of the market. And re-educate them on the perils of trying to time the market.
Be proactive, and you and your clients will sleep much better as we see how the Trump years develop.
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