Stocks ended November generally lower, with only the Nasdaq able to eke out a gain. The Global Dow and the Russell 2000 each lost more than 4.25%. The Dow fell 3.7% and the S&P 500 dropped 0.8%. The Nasdaq gained 0.3%.

Despite some positive economic news, global and domestic markets were sent reeling in November following reports of a new coronavirus strain. The Omicron variant, first discovered in South Africa, prompted several countries, including the United States, to impose travel restrictions. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the coronavirus variant could hinder economic recovery efforts and impact the country’s response to surging inflation. Nevertheless, Powell also suggested that the central bank could end its asset purchase program a few months sooner than planned, apparently signaling confidence in the economic recovery, despite concerns over the Omicron variant. Inflation continued to rise, as supply-chain bottlenecks and labor shortages prompted price hikes at both the manufacturing and retail levels.

Another year gone: Let’s review
Overall, 2021 was a positive year full of opportunity. Together, we met the unique challenges associated with the ongoing pandemic head on and came out victorious. Here’s what we’ve accomplished:

• Last year’s market was generally positive. In moments of volatility, we responded quickly to help keep our clients’ investments secure.
• Our strategy continues to promote success, even when corrections are necessary.
• We’ve been honored with a variety of exciting recognitions this year, reflective of both the efficacy of our investment philosophy and the hard work and dedication of our advisors.

CBNC Beacon was recently recognized as No. 11 on the CNBC FA 100 list, up 13 spots from last year, with its assets under management (AUM) now exceeding $4.2 billion.
Morningstar Morningstar, one of the best known analysis and performance tracking organization in our industry, has given Beacon Vantage 2.0 Aggressive Percentile Rankings (as of 9/30/2021):

• YTD – 6th percentile
• 1 Year – 5th percentile
• 3 Year – 9th percentile
• 5 Year – 8th percentile
• 10 Year – 7th percentile

If that’s not amazing enough, our 2.0 Aggressive portfolio was ranked 5 STARS in the 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year categories!

Are we proud? YES. More importantly, we’re ecstatic about the abundant success of our clients and advisors. We’ve achieved a strategy that has historically provided safety and performance when it matters most, and we couldn’t be happier.

Another year ahead: Keep moving forward

As we move into 2022, inflation is on everyone’s mind. Fueled by fear and uncertainty, anxiety over impending inflation might cause investors and advisors alike to make rash decisions. Here’s how we combat market volatility:

• The Beacon risk-managed strategies allow clients to participate as the market continues to rise with peace of mind.
• The equal sector allocation provides protection against overweighting companies that have grown to high valuations during historically low inflation and interest rates.
• The mechanical, rules-based strategy eliminates emotion and reactions to short-term market movements.

How can we ensure our ability to deliver on our promises? This year, we joined Sammons Financial Group, merging our trademark consistency and dedication with a wealth of resources, tools and enthusiasm to expedite the expansions and development of advanced technology and robust services.

One of our top priority initiatives is to enhance the advisor and client experience with a fully digital new account portal. Our goal is to streamline the process to open a new account with a highly secure system that can reduce the time and effort needed to work with Beacon.

For advisors, this system can help:

• Reduce errors that regularly occur on paper forms
• Resulting in less work for account managers to process NIGO paperwork
• Expediting processing time to open and fund accounts more quickly
• Providing advisors a great first impression backed by convenience and confidence

For investors, this system can help:

• Improve the overall client experience
• Provide convenience and peace of mind
• Maximize on our promise of providing safe and high performing investments

Beta testing for this technology will begin by the end of this year and will be ready to share in the New Year.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication, and we look forward to achieving many great things together in 2022.

Beacon portfolios are now available on three new platforms – SSG, SmartX, and Orion Communities. We are excited to continue expanding our distribution through these new channels.

Additionally, our executives are excited to be back on the road regularly traveling to industry events. If you have events planned for 2022 that we may be able to provide support, contact your wholesaler to discuss how you may be able to participate.

Be sure to visit Beacon’s News & Press page for the latest credibility pieces to share with your clients and prospects, and follow Beacon on LinkedIn for the latest updates as they happen.