What makes a bull market–a look behind the curtain The themes that are driving shares today have been in place to varying degrees since the economy bottomed in 2009–economic growth, profit growth, and low-interest rates. For much of the expansion, economic growth hasn’t been stellar, but it has lifted corporate profits, which are at record levels today (Thomson Reuters). But let’s not completely discount the role of the Federal Reserve. In order to jump-start the economy during the debilitating recession, the Fed pushed interest rates to rock-bottom levels and it has been slow to raise rates. Why does this lend support to stocks? Low-interest rates encourage investors to look to other assets for income and capital appreciation. Put another way, low rates offer less competition for stocks. Throw in low inflation and the continued stream of stock buybacks from corporations (S&P Dow Jones Indexes), and powerful forces have come together to lift shares. Overcoming hurdles There has been no shortage of headwinds that have temporarily interrupted the bull market or, at a minimum, created concerns over the last nine years. Financial turmoil in Europe, the U.K.’s Brexit vote, the collapse in oil prices, worries about China’s economy, and the downgrade of U.S. debt in 2011 were just some of the headwinds that surfaced to create short-term volatility. When headwinds have failed to throw the U.S. economy into a recession, the focus has shifted back to the positive economic fundamentals, and the bulls prevailed. Looking longer term, the bulls have always triumphed–eventually. Those who have bet on a long-term slide in stocks have been sorely disappointed. If we open our history books, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was below 100 in 1915. Today, it’s above 26,000. Even if adjusted for inflation, the Dow is up over tenfold (Macrotrends). In the end, the bulls win. Why? Short downturns in the economy–recessions–are followed by economic expansions that run much longer than recessions. Over time, the economy’s value rises. It’s been that way for over 200 years. We recommend very diversified stock portfolios; ones that include the major sectors of the economy. Investing in a diversified portfolio is much like buying a stake in the U.S. economy. The economy may or may not be larger next year, but history tells us it will be larger 10 or 20 years from today. Continuing along that same road, the major market averages are likely to follow a similar trajectory over a long period. That doesn’t mean we won’t see a sharp sell-off from time to time. It doesn’t mean that stocks will necessarily match the economy’s performance over a short period. But it does mean there is a long-term upward bias for stocks. Investor’s corner The longevity of today’s bull market has rewarded patient and disciplined investors. We talk about the investment plan at length because it is the road map to your financial goals. We stress this fact often. But it also helps pull the emotional component out of the equation. You know, the one that tempts us to sell when the market pulls back. Or, for that matter, may encourage us to get too aggressive when stocks surge higher. The plan enforces a disciplined approach. Disciplined investors succeed when the plan is built on a solid foundation. I’m reminded of the story of the Three Little Pigs. One may take a disciplined approach. But, if that disciplined approach is a meticulously built house of straw, the inevitable winds will wreak havoc. A disciplined approach, coupled with an investment plan built on solid, historically proven principles, has historically been the best path to meet one’s goals. | 
