Good morning,

This week we’ll be breaking down a concept that may seem complicated at first glance–a K-shaped economic recovery. Then, we have a couple of suggestions for incentivizing yourselves to get outdoors even though we’re still in the depths of winter.

First, if you’ve been following our emails over the last several months, you’ve noticed that some economic sectors are doing well while others are struggling more in the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why economists call the current phase of economic recovery K-shaped: some parts of the economy are rising while others are falling.

There are several other forms economic recovery can take. For instance, in a V-shaped recovery, the whole economy takes a sharp dip down and then rises fast. A U-shape indicates a softer recovery, and the L-shape shows no recovery at all.

In a K-shaped recovery, higher-income individuals and large businesses benefit, while lower/middle-class individuals and smaller companies do not. It is somewhere between a V and an L, depending on who you are or what part of the economy you’re following. A K-shaped recovery can lead to economic or social structure changes. As always, we will keep you up to date on the big news as it happens, and we will continue to manage your portfolios with your unique goals top of mind.

Even in the middle of winter, one of the best things you can do for yourself is spend some time outside. Being outside is good for your health, including your memory and ability to focus, even if you’re not doing anything active.

The 1000 Hours Outside Challenge is an excellent way to keep track of your outdoor time. Designed to match kids’ outdoor time with screen time, it’s a fun way for anyone to work on their goal of getting some fresh air. The goal is to reach 1000 hours of outdoor time in a year, and any amount of time spent outside is better than nothing! Check out their free tracking spreadsheets and other fun ways to get motivated.

If you’re hoping to spend time just hanging out outside and don’t want to be too chilly, our own Todd Feldman recommends the Solo Stove as a way to relax around a fire with a loved one or be outdoors reading a book.

Still need to be cozier? Check out this wearable sleeping bag, which would pair nicely with a fire pit and a mug of cocoa.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through Triad Advisors, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, LLC. Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, LLC, and Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, Inc, are not affiliated with Triad Advisors