The Lowry Letter®

Week of 4/9/2020

Our office will be closed on Friday April 10th , as will the financial markets, in observance of Good Friday. We hope that you have a peaceful weekend!

Keep Your Head Up

A few weeks ago, we visited New Orleans for a conference not expecting the COVID-19 situation to escalate to this point. While there, we listened to a small ensemble at Preservation Hall, a famous jazz venue. The music was great and while we were there, we picked up a small pin that read, “Keep your head up.” We thought that was a great sentiment at the time, and it seems even more appropriate now. There’s even a song .

Normal Business

We are reminded: of the power of the capital markets during difficult times. Even though the financial markets have seen significant volatility, they remain an important source of liquidity when other resources are hard to access. Other sources of wealth, such as the value of a private business or real estate, may not be readily accessible. When income is reduced or unexpected scenarios deplete ready reserves, having invested assets can help bridge the gap.

We think: that it can be difficult to follow all of the COVID related programs that are being enacted. This helpful article covers a few of the topics well.

We read: about a Brooklyn landlord who waived the April rent for hundreds of tenants. It is heartening to see such stories.

We've been: rewatching the TV show LOST from the beginning, and have enjoyed showing it to Joseph III. Available on Hulu, it holds up pretty well.

We recommend: the latest Monthly Market Commentary, available here. As always, it is a helpful review of what was good and bad in the markets. For those who want the quick version, March was mostly bad.

Q: The virus seems difficult to contain. How can normal economic function resume with that hanging over our heads?

A: The purpose of social/physical distancing is to prevent mass infections that would overwhelm the healthcare system. These measures have worked in China, are showing positive trends in Europe, and there are signs of their good effect in the United States. If the rate of infection can be reduced significantly, a system of aggressive testing, tracing, and isolation can help us return to a more normal environment. As this post explains, there are other measures that will allow for an incremental improvement in economic activity

Advisory Services offered through Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Securities and additional advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Advisory services offered through Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc, are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc. is located at 12921 SW 1st Rd, Suite 215, Tioga, FL 32669. 352-333-7990

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