Umpqua Quarterly Perspectives Newsletter - Q1 2021
2020 - Gone but Not Forgotten
What a year! 2020 was like no other time in our lives. As if the pandemic wasn’t enough, 2020 also brought devastating wildfires across the west, issues of race and policing, an increasing political divide, and a rollercoaster election year. It’s important in times like these to evaluate your circumstances and adjust plans accordingly. But in the context of your investments and overall wealth plan, it’s imperative to maintain perspective as you evaluate your goals.
Our latest newsletter brings original Umpqua-derived perspectives on the market and the economy as you prepare for the challenges and opportunities 2021 may bring.
A Look at the Year Ahead
As we turn the corner on a new year, it’s worth evaluating where we’ve landed at the end of 2020 and how the major events of the previous year may shape the new year. We’ll consider some key data points that help set the stage for 2021:
- Stock Market
- Taxes
- Debt
- Economy
- Fixed Income
- Politics
Uncertainty and Opportunity
A lot is still in play from 2020 as governments, businesses, and investors work to overcome the challenges we faced in an unprecedented year. As the new year unfolds, we’ll know more about the impact of another round of stimulus, a broader vaccine rollout, and new legislation from a new administration and Congress, but our research demonstrates the importance of not losing sight of your long-term goals and sticking to the fundamentals of investing.
Cashflow and Diversification Needs in a Low-Interest Environment
The current low-interest environment is creating a challenge for those investors who need to generate necessary income from cash or other low-risk assets.
Typically, there are three variables that influence cashflow:
- Interest Rates
- Credit Risk
- Duration
While exploring options for maintaining your cash flow needs, it’s important to remain focused on your long-term goals. Everyone’s needs and circumstances are different, but investors should work to protect cash flow without taking on more risk than he or she is comfortable with.
Umpqua Investments Transitions to Steward Partners
We have executed a definitive purchase agreement to sell Umpqua Investments (UI) to Steward Partners. In mid-March, all existing UI clients (unless they opt out) will transition to Steward Partners and will continue to work with their existing financial advisors. Over the next couple of months, you’ll learn more about how we are helping ensure a smooth transition for valued clients like you.
We’re here for you
Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t still get great advice and guidance. Your financial professional at Umpqua Wealth Management can help in times like this by:
- Helping you stay focused on the big picture
- Bringing specific ideas and strategies to you based on your unique situation
- Acting as a sounding board as you consider financial decisions
- Partnering with you to navigate the ever-changing economic and market landscape
- Providing insight into how current conditions affect your plans by modeling scenarios specific to your situation
For this article and others, visit
https://www.umpquabank.com/blog
