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Author name: Michael Baker

Insights

Mid-Quarter Market Commentary

Markets don’t move in straight lines—and April was a vivid reminder. A resurgence of volatility rattled both stocks and bonds, with tariff tensions, lofty equity valuations, and shifting Fed expectations fueling uncertainty. Yet amid the noise, long-term fundamentals remain intact. At Journey Wealth, we believe these moments reinforce—not challenge—the value of a well-diversified portfolio grounded in your personal financial goals. From the resilience of international markets to the renewed attractiveness of fixed income, this month’s recap unpacks what’s driving market dynamics—and how thoughtful planning can help you stay on course through whatever comes next.

Insights

Quarterly Market Commentary

After a banner year for domestic equities in 2024, 2025 is off to a bumpier start.  The volatility in the first quarter was largely a product of the concentration of the S&P 500 in a handful of names, along with elevated valuations.  In 2024, the seven largest stocks in the S&P 500 accounted for over half of the Index’s gains. 

Insights

Mid-Quarter Market Commentary

While the Fed and the market are fairly aligned in their expectations, fixed income markets are likely to remain somewhat volatile while the fiscal impacts of the new administration’s policies become clearer.  However, higher yields insulate bond investors from interest rate risk and elevated equity valuations make bonds more attractive on a relative basis. Given the level of concentration within US equity markets, we believe that international, value and small-cap equities provide a critical element of diversification.  We advocate building portfolios to achieve your long-term goals as opposed to trying to react to the latest headlines.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisor to schedule time to discuss your financial plan, including your goals and planning assumptions. 

Insights

Debunking Investing Myths

Every investor has heard at least one “rule of thumb” that sounds too simple—or too ominous—to be true. Some of these “tried and tested” maxims come from decades of market folklore; others are simply repeated so often they start to feel like fact. In this post, we’ll debunk six common investing myths using historical data and a long-term perspective.

Insights

Maximizing Your Cleveland Clinic Retirement Benefits: What You Need to Know

Working at Cleveland Clinic comes with a variety of financial perks—chief among them are the retirement plans that can help you build long-term wealth. Understanding how to leverage each plan fully can feel overwhelming. Below, we break down the key features of the 401(a), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, plus the Equity Accumulation (EA) program. We’ll also explain how to implement a “mega backdoor Roth” strategy within the 403(b), so you can take your retirement savings to the next level.

Insights

Q1 2025 Market Commentary

Historically, attempting to time markets and chase the latest winners has proven to be a poor investment strategy.  While some investors can be captivated by recent return trends, it’s critical to understand how your investments are working together to achieve your financial goals.  Constructing an investment allocation that fits with your unique financial plan reduces the temptation to chase shiny objects.