By Ben James 
This week’s stock market selloff caught many investors off guard, but at least one local firm seems to be doing things a little differently. They call it evidence-based investing.
“Anyone can tell you to buy the dip,” says Ben James, co-founder of Deupree James Wealth Management on Line Avenue in Shreveport. “Our clients want someone who is proactively trying to protect and grow their wealth.”
While the markets have been concerned about the Coronavirus, Ben says investors should be focused elsewhere. “Obviously you can’t predict a pandemic, but you can use market history as a guide. Economic growth and earnings have been slowing for some time now, and we had the yield curve invert last year. Typically that isn’t a recipe for good returns.”
A lifelong baseball fan, Ben cautions clients with a Yogi Berra quote: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.’ In 2019 we thought the trade war would be bad news for exporters, but in fact, exporters outperformed the S&P 500 for the year. So we’re not always right, but we’re trying.”
Ben is responsible for portfolio management at Deupree James. “The first lesson my grandfather taught me about investing was the rule of large losses – if you lose 50%, you have to make 100% to get back to even,” he says.
You can find the firm’s thoughts on the market on Social Media and on their blog.
Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by GWM Advisors doing business as Deupree James Wealth Management unless a client service agreement is in place.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
