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Please note by using any of the links provided for your convenience you will be leaving Fidelis Wealth Advisors website. The hyperlinks are to websites and servers maintained by third parties. We do not control, evaluate, endorse or guarantee content found in those sites. Your use of such sites is at your own risk.

Market Update May 2022

By: Jeff Bullock

The stock market is off to a rough start this year. Geopolitical unrest, supply chain issues, the highest inflation we’ve seen in 40+ years, and elevated market volatility are just a few of the issues markets are dealing with. The equity market is considered forward-looking mechanism, meaning, it is trying to price in future expectations based on information today. The price changes daily because, every day, in theory, there is more clarity regarding expectations and markets promptly adjust. Sometimes you might see that the stock market will increase on bad news or decrease on good news. This happens because it is reacting to a past expectation; perhaps the news wasn’t as bad or as good as previously expected.

With everything that has happened this year, here are a few expectations I have heading into the summer:

  • Aggressive Fed: The Federal Reserve needs to stomp out inflation. They plan to do this by increasing interest rates much more aggressively than previously expected. One year ago, the market expected the Fed to raise interest rates once in 2022; now the expectations are 8-10 times. This change in expectations has been a primary driver of the market volatility.
  • Choppy Markets: I expect choppy markets into the summer. Inflation, China’s economy, the war, and supply chains will all print new headlines, undoubtably some good and some bad. The markets will digest the news in real-time and I expect more volatility and choppy markets for the rest of Q2.
  • Growth Fears: Last week we found out that Q1 GDP was negative. This was highly unexpected, and as such, everyone is on watch since the definition of a recession is when we see two consecutive quarters of negative GDP. I expect recession and stagflation fears to heighten into the summer due to this unexpected negative print.

Our portfolio positioning reflects this current view of the markets. We’ve been tactically overweight value stocks and low duration bonds since last year and continue to hold this positioning, which has been a winning relative trade so far. Our equity position has a focus on income allowing us to be patience since we are being paid to wait if markets go sideways.

This blog is general communication being provided for informational purposes only.  This information is in no way a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services.  It is educational in nature and not to be taken as advice or a recommendation for any specific investment product or investment strategy.  This does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.  Any investment or investment strategy mentioned may not be suitable for all investors or in their best interest.   Statistical information, quotes, charts, references to articles or any other quoted statement or statements regarding market or other financial information is obtained from sources which we believe reliable, but we do not warrant or guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of this information. All rights are reserved.  No part of this blog including text, graphics, et al, may be reproduced or copied in any format, electronic, print, et al, without written consent from Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC. Fidelis Wealth Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice.  Please be advised to consult with your investment advisor, attorney or tax professional before making any investment decisions.

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John Van Sant

PROFESSIONAL
John Van Sant began his career in wealth management in 2005 and has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles focused on operational excellence, strategic growth, and advisor support. Prior to joining Fidelis, John served as President and CFO at Cascade Financial Management and as OSJ Principal with LPL and Apollon Financial.

As COO and CCO at Fidelis, John draws on deep industry experience and a passion for building advisor-focused platforms, systems, and processes that help deliver an
exceptional client experience. He currently holds Series 7, 24, 28, and 65 licenses.

PERSONAL
John holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Johnson & Wales University. A proud husband and father of two daughters, he is an avid golfer, dedicated “Dance Dad,” and enjoys beach days in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he now resides after many years in Colorado.

Karley Fidani, CPFA®

PROFESSIONAL

Before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2022, Karley ran several local businesses, selling products both in the Castle Rock area and online. Her passion for entrepreneurship and finance led her to earn a degree in Financial Management from the University of Colorado Denver.

At Fidelis, Karley has specialized in assisting small business clients with their employer 401(k) plans. She has also taken on client-facing roles as advisor and paraplanner. Karley holds her Series 65 license and is a NAPA Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®). She plans to pursue the Certified Financial Planner® designation in the near future.

Karley is passionate about building relationships with clients and is dedicated to providing a thoughtful, valuable experience that brings them peace of mind.

PERSONAL

A Colorado native, Karley grew up in Castle Rock. She enjoys spending her free time riding her horse, Dante, hiking and mountain biking with her husband, and playing electric guitar.

Rilee Erickson

PROFESSIONAL

Rilee began working in the financial services industry in 2017 as an associate specializing in property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance.  Since joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors she has taken on a paraplanner roll, providing life insurance support, as well as client and operations support. She also hopes to obtain her own Certified Financial Planner® designation in the years to come. Rilee’s passion in the industry is helping people protect their family and their future.

 

PERSONAL

Rilee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Science. She is a Wyoming native, growing up on the family cattle ranch in Lander, Wyoming, and now resides in Green River, Wyoming with her husband and two boys. Rilee enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and exploring the beautiful and rugged Wind River Range.

Tina Jessick

PROFESSIONAL
Tina first began her accounting career in 2019 as an Intern at an accounting firm in Wichita, KS. She started working at Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant spring of 2025. Tina hopes to assist in helping clients achieve their financial goals long-term and looks forward to making a difference at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

PERSONAL
Tina is currently attending Wichita State University in pursuit of two degrees in Finance and Accounting. She is a Kansas native, growing up in city known as the “Air Capital of the World”. She now resides in Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she’s not running after her kids, she enjoys hiking, crafting, pottery, dance and baking.

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Fidelis Wealth Advisors has a strategic partnership with RIA Innovations, a Division of NWAM, LLC. RIA Innovations provides administrative support services for registered investment advisors nationwide. This service is under the direction of Nelly Mubashi, the Chief Operating Officer.

 

NWAM, LLC, dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations is an SEC registered investment adviser. NWAM, LLC dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations and Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC are not affiliated companies.