Reading Market Signals: Investment Strategy During Volatility

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The Bucket Plan® On-Demand Podcast

Reading Market Signals: Investment Strategy During Volatility

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQnhGWH1CRA

In This Episode

About the Episode:

Every advisor knows the scenario: markets start moving in unexpected ways, and suddenly your phone rings with clients who need reassurance and clear direction. The advisors who strengthen client relationships during volatile periods aren’t necessarily those with the best market predictions. They’re the ones who can explain what’s happening behind the scenes, identify opportunities others miss, and maintain strategic focus when emotions are running high.

Join host Kalem Mackey, CFP®, BPC, Executive Vice President and Partner at C2P as he sits down with Stoyan Petev, Senior Vice President of Advanced Markets at C2P, and Mark Peterson, Director of BlackRock’s Market and Portfolio Insights team, to explore the practical frameworks that help you communicate with authority even when markets defy conventional wisdom.

Key Topics Discussed:

What’s Really Driving Market Swings: Understanding the economic and policy forces behind current volatility beyond what you’re seeing in headlines.
Reading the Credit Markets: Why bond markets often signal economic changes before equity markets and what that means for your portfolios.
Making Sense of Federal Policy: Breaking down Federal Reserve decisions in terms you can explain to clients who want to know what’s coming next.
When Diversification Fails: Recognizing when traditional allocation models stop working and having backup strategies ready.
Client Conversations That Work: Practical approaches for difficult calls when clients are scared, including validating concerns while maintaining long-term focus.
Finding Opportunities in Volatility: Spotting chances to improve portfolios and strengthen client relationships during uncertain periods.
Building Better Diversification: Moving beyond textbook strategies to create portfolios that hold up when correlations break down.
Leveraging Higher Interest Rates: How to offer clients meaningful income options and what this means for portfolio construction.

Learn how to effectively integrate current market realities into your advisory approach for powerful client outcomes.

Resources:

BlackRock Publication by Mark Peterson: Student of the Market
Financial planning process mentioned: The Bucket Plan®

Statistics:

Stocks have been up two years in a row
The market experienced a 10% decline in two days in early April, followed by a 5% rebound on April 9th
Interest rates on the 10-year US Treasury bond exceeded 4% for the first time since 2007, marking almost 15 years
Inflation peaked at 9+% in June 2022 and recently dropped to 2.3%, the lowest level since February 2021
There were 14 consecutive months when both stocks and bonds lost money – unprecedented in investing history

Reading Market Signals: Investment Strategy During Volatility

About the Host:

Kalem Mackey, CFP®, BPC is an accomplished financial services executive with over 20 years of industry experience. As Executive Vice President and Partner at C2P, as well as founder of Superior Financial Planning, he is dedicated to helping American families achieve their financial aspirations. Mackey’s expertise spans sales management, insurance wholesaling, and financial advising. He is a strategic leader and a sought-after industry speaker, sharing his knowledge in retirement income planning and tax management. Prior to C2P, Mackey earned his bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego and founded his own financial planning firm.

Mackey’s career is marked by a strong commitment to client success. He works closely with advisors and insurance distribution partners to deliver exceptional experiences and tailored insurance solutions. As a Bucket Plan® Best Interest Process Trainer, he provides coaching and support to help advisors offer comprehensive financial planning strategies.

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About the Guests:

Stoyan Petev, CFA, CFP®, CLU, ChFc, serves as the Senior Vice President of Advanced Markets at C2P, where he spearheads the in-house life insurance division and assists advisors with his knowledge in investment sales and sophisticated planning. His role is pivotal within C2P’s planning-first RIA, Prosperity Capital Advisors, serving both on the Investment Committee and Leadership Team. Stoyan’s journey before C2P spans nearly three decades, during which he has honed his skills across various capacities such as an advisor, distributor, research and investment analyst, due diligence officer, and consultant.

His commitment to education and risk management extends beyond professional advisement, as evidenced by his multi-state insurance licensure and holding Series 7, 24, 53, 63, and 65 licenses. Stoyan is an advocate for financial literacy, particularly within immigrant communities, and has shared his knowledge as an adjunct instructor at Lindenwood University.

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Mark Peterson is a Director on the Market & Portfolio Insights team, focused on investment strategy and education. He is a 25+ year industry veteran with extensive expertise and experience educating advisors and investors on market and investment topics. Mark’s responsibilities include relating BlackRock’s investment strategy and investment views to advisors and investors. Mark is the author of the popular Student of the Market monthly publication that is distributed widely to advisors across the country. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mark was a Director and Head of Product Strategy and Economics at Deutsche Bank. Mark has also spent time on the floor of the Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Mark received a BS from Arizona State University.

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