Best Wishes for the New Year

As we close out the new year, it has been one to remember. Or, possibly, better to forget. In my own case, we had planned on having friends over for the evening. But, unfortunately, one was exposed to COVID, and then we found out late this morning that we had been exposed to COVID as well. This far, all the tests are negative—so wish us luck. But the risks are definitely on my mind at the moment.

Despite the somewhat downbeat close to the year, and everything else that has happened in 2021, I remain immensely grateful for all our blessings. My family is well—so far. I remain blessed with my friends, my colleagues at Commonwealth, and all of you who read this blog. I talk about gratitude on a regular basis here, because tough times are the best time to remember what we do have.

There’s not much else to say on the economy or the markets as we close the year. It has been a great year for the stock markets, especially here in the U.S. That’s because the economy has grown much more strongly than anyone would’ve expected at the start of the year. And, despite the current Omicron wave, prospects remain good for next year. Yes, there are certainly risks out there. Still, just as we came through the past two years, we will get through this year as well.

I wish everyone reading this the happiest of years in 2022. I hope you and your families remain healthy and well, and I hope we all continue to prosper. Despite everything, 2021 turned out to be a pretty good year. May 2022 be the same.

See you next year!