The Shadows

A dark shadow looms in the darkness. I’m curious, but not curious enough to step forward. Yet, intrigued enough not to turn and run. I stand, motionless. I shallow my breath so as not to be heard. Any shift in my weight could cause a twig to break, or worse yet, alert the shadow that I am near. The chill in the air nips at my ears. In the stillness, wisps of frozen breath swirl around me. I have now been staring at the shadow for several moments, I sense no movement. This is what separates the bold from the fearful. Those who step forward. Those who turn to run. This moment will define me. A glimmer from the moon peaks from behind a cloudy night. Enough light reveals the very subject of my dread. There in the shadows…it awaits…

Markets are the backbone of wealth creation. They allow efficient trading of securities from one party to another. Some step boldly into these markets, seeking to invest well, seeking to build wealth. Some step faintly out of the markets, fearful they won’t navigate them well. They invest in cash or gold or CDs with the false hope that they will sustain their standard of living. Fear, panics, wars, viruses…these all weigh on markets. Those who face their fears have always created long term wealth. The markets have generated satisfactory long term returns regardless of the headlines. Our current events are not an exception. We will overcome. Our economy will get back on track. This too shall pass.