Conflict & Chaos

The United States’ and Israel’s joint efforts to eliminate, once and for all, the unelected terrorist regime that has been oppressing Iran’s citizens, and terrorizing the world for the past 47 years began in earnest on February 28 with Operation Epic Fury. How long it takes and what sacrifices will be required to complete the mission are yet to be determined. There is little doubt as to the resolve of these two great democratic allies to finish what they started. The markets responded as might be expected given the unfolding conflict and chaos.
 
Regardless of anyone’s political ideology, few doubt the danger this extremist Islamic theocracy poses to the entire world. These fanatical terrorists have been torturing, raping and murdering thousands of innocent people and sponsoring global terrorist activities, financed by their substantial oil exports since they seized power in 1979. Had they been allowed to develop nuclear weapons, one shudders to contemplate a nuclear armed Iran.
 
The duration of this conflict and its impact on global trade and financial markets is unknown. The future is always unknowable and unpredictable. However, a world absent these thugs will be a safer world. Will the citizens of Iran rise up against the remaining extremists and hold free and fair elections? One can only hope, but again, unknowable at this time. How long will it take to safely open the Strait of Hormuz, allowing for the free flow of oil by tankers delivering 20% of the world’s oil supplies? Given the firepower currently being expended by the U.S. and Israel, probably not long.
 
What’s an investor to do in times like these? The same thing as before. Take a deep breath, exhale, and then schedule a call or meeting with your team of advisors to review your plan and reassess your goals, objectives, risk tolerance, and return expectations.  And always remember a famous saying, “Chaos creates opportunity.”
 
Stay the course.
 
Sam Taylor, CIMA®, AIF®, CRPC®
Wealthview Capital, LLC