We're now in the heat of the presidential election cycle. And for many investors, it raises the question of how will that impact the economy? How will it impact the markets? And should I do something in my portfolio, in my investments about that? Uh, oftentimes investors are concerned that if their candidate loses the opposing candidate is going to tank the economy and the markets. So back in 2008, uh, many staunch Republicans were afraid that after President Obama was elected, that that would tank the economy and the markets it did not. Uh, the s and p 500 rose over 100% during his, his first term, it rose another 65% during his second term. Uh, after that, uh, many staunch Democrats were concerned that the election of President Trump, uh, would tank the economy in the markets. It didn't happen.

Uh, despite a global pandemic in the middle of his term, uh, the markets rose over 80% while President Trump was in office. Uh, why is that? Well, I think presidents don't have as much impact as you might think on the economy and the markets, partly because of, uh, the, uh, separation of powers, which limits president's impact on government policy. And also, thankfully, because our country is not just our government. Every day, millions of hardworking men and women across the country get up to lead their companies, uh, to serve their clients and their customers, uh, to, uh, better their employees, uh, and to do good for their shareholders and whatever is coming outta Washington, whatever policies they adapt. And so that's, that's really good news.

Uh, so the good news is, is that the stock market tends to go up under Republican and under Democrat presidents. Why? Well, because the stock market tends to go up over time. So what does this mean for you? Well, first we would say that it's already been a crazy election season, and that is probably going to continue. Thankfully, a good investment strategy does not depend on trying to predict who's going to be the next president. Uh, that's impossible. Uh, and and for us, our recommendation for you is don't let your politics derail your investment strategy. On our part, we'll continue to follow the election and everything else that impacts the economy and the markets, but our focus will remain on building investment strategies tailored, tailored to the specific needs of each of our clients so we can help our clients grow their wealth and empower purposeful living and giving.

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