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Remember the Great Recession? I do. What next?

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August 16, 2020

Millennials in my generation graduated college and entered the work force in the midst of the Great Recession. It was the largest economic downturn since the 1930s and had a profound impact on our worldview. It started in banking and derivative, mortgage-backed securities and ended up seeping over, pervading nearly every sector of the economy. 2008 saw a 52% drop in the S&P 500 (from its highs in October 2007), oil prices collapsing 78% (from their high of $147/barrel in December 2007 to $32 a year later), and unemployment increasing by 8.8 million people to 10.6%. It left many of us skittish about investing in real estate or the stock market, uncertain of whether we'd be able to find work relative to our degrees, and skeptical of the so-called American Dream.

Fast-forward 12 years and enter Coronavirus, stage left. SARS-CoV-2 had reared its ugly, thorn-crowned head in China by November 17 of last year, but by February it had only just begun to saturate the public consciousness here in the United States. Sewage samples from Barcelona now show it may have been present in Europe as early as March 2019, so we've likely been living with this virus for longer than we realized. Though it took us a while to grasp the severity and immediacy of the virus, its effects were felt with neck-breaking speed. The S&P retraced almost 34%, from its 3,386 high on February 19 to its 2,237 trough on March 23. As government-mandated shut-downs sought to stem the infection rate, we saw unemployment reach 16% in the first few months of the pandemic, with 14 million more Americans filing jobless claims since February, according to the Pew Research Center. This, then, is the fastest correction in market history and marks the end of a 12-year bull run. It's a mirror of our fast-paced lives and of the feedback loop between news, social media, political polarization and the markets. It's also likely a harbinger of things to come — at least in the near-term.

As quickly as it's come on, COVID-19 has already left an indelible mark on society — perhaps even more pronounced than the Great Recession. Many have transitioned to working from home, and some Fortune 500 companies (think Twitter) intend to keep that model permanently. This may work well for those already established in their careers, who have the luxury of working effectively from afar, but it poses unique challenges to those just venturing into the job market and those in the food service, travel, hospitality, manufacturing, and educational fields. Individuals are rethinking their travel plans, day-to-day interactions, memberships, and spending habits. Companies large and small are raising the threshold that would require in-person business travel and stress-testing the viability of their business models. All of us have become more conscious of our personal behaviors and how they affect our own well-being and that of others in a globalized, interconnected world.

As the pandemic has worn on, it has etched deeper ravines in our society, bringing social injustices and socio-economic divides into sharp relief; and in our economy, with labor market woes and small businesses struggling to stay afloat, despite massive government stimulus through PPP loans and the CARES Act. It's also been a stark reminder of how being connected doesn't always mean being on the same page. With its pursuant social and economic upheaval, though, Coronavirus has afforded us a rare opportunity to re-envision how we live our personal and professional lives.

So how do we make sense of it all, and where do we go from here?

  • Take courage in the fact that the United States was the strongest economy going into the pandemic and will likely be the strongest coming out of it.
  • This has been the fastest correction in market history, but we've also witnessed the fastest recovery. It took the S&P 5 years to recoup its 2008 losses; this time we're back to even in 5 months. Don't let that make you complacent, though. Economists predict that the longer the pandemic drags on, the more protracted our economic recovery will be. We also expect to see plenty of volatility through the presidential election in November.
  • Remember that, as efficient as the markets generally are in valuing securities, they're also a barometer of fear and greed, and often preempt or lag the economy as a whole. Maintaining an adequate balance of assets and dollar-cost averaging can help take some of the sting out of the ebbs and flows.
  • Continue to live your life as normally as possible but be smart in doing so. Follow CDC guidelines to protect yourself and others while out in public.
  • Embrace technology and the role it continues to play in keeping us connected, both personally and professionally.
  • Don't allow your life to be dictated by fear or uncertainty. Have a plan in place to meet your future goals and monitor your plan periodically to adjust for any changes.
  • Use the pandemic as an opportunity to evaluate your spending habits, as well as your personal and professional goals going forward.
  • Consider building up your cash reserve to take advantage of buying opportunities through the volatility ahead.
  • Inflation and interest rates are at historic lows. The Fed is keeping rates down and the Congress is considering another round of stimulus payments to stave off financial hardship and encourage growth. Mortgage rates have followed suit. If you've been renting, now may be a good time to consider buying your first home. If you already own, now may be a good time to consider refinancing.

How have you been weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, and what are you doing to plan for and adapt to the post-pandemic world? Let us know how we can help you navigate these uncertain times and breathe easier about your financial future.


If you would like to receive more information on making smart money moves for your future, be sure to contact us today!

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About the author

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Drew Pond

Wealth Plan Design Specialist

Drew Pond is an independent financial advisor and CFP® Practitioner at oXYGen Financial, specializing in portfolio construction, goals-based planning, life and long-term care insurances, and retirement plans, with 7 years' experience in the financial services industry. He lives in Midtown, Atlanta.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. oXYGen Financial is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS do not provide tax or legal advice. Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation.

Background and qualification information is available at FINRA's BrokerCheck website.

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Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. oXYGen Financial is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS do not provide tax or legal advice. https://Bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

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