Good morning!

We hope everyone is enjoying this early part of the holiday season. This week, we chatted with Todd Feldman about his thoughts on the stock market, learned some great vaccine news, and found a list of COVID-conscious holiday activities.

Last month the markets had record returns. Investors are excited about how well the markets are doing as demand flushes in, and prices go up. The Dow just broke through 30,000 in November.  Are investors becoming greedy?  If they are, what does that indicate?  Can the markets sustain these large and quick increases? We asked our own Todd Feldman for his input.

“Since the gain of the last 10,000 points in the Dow, about 25% of the return was due to Apple.  Other popular stocks such as Tesla, Google, Amazon, and Facebook have enjoyed impressive recent gain too,” Todd explained. “Our view is that it is good to participate with these stocks, but, it is best to own them as part of a diversified Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) or mutual fund. When the market, in turn, has a correction, it is prudent to be as diversified as possible.

“We know that there is still uncertainty nd misalignment out there about the future of the pandemic and the economy,” he continued. “Analysts from major investment firms in some cases are on opposite sides in their prediction for even what may happen for the remaining three weeks of 2020. Your best course of action is to have a financial plan. Our guidance is to be disciplined and follow your unique and long term plan and to stick to it! We are here to help protect your lifestyle, protect your family, and your goals.”

The much anticipated COVID-19 vaccine is underway in the UK. The first person in the world to receive the vaccine was 91-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan, who called it “the best early birthday present ever.”

Holiday activities are starting up all over Maryland and surrounding areas. We know that the festive season isn’t going to be the same this year, but we’ve compiled a list of COVID-conscious activities for you and your family to enjoy.

If you and your crew enjoy animals, you’ll want to check out Zoo Lights at the Baltimore Zoo. Reservations are required to keep the crowd to a safe size, and they have both drive-through and walk-through options.

Animal lovers will also appreciate Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park–a holiday season staple for many families in the area. The SPCA of Anne Arundel County sponsors this event. Don’t forget to pick up your 3D glasses to make the show come alive!

For a good old fashioned drive-through light show with a charitable twist, check out the Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park. Make sure to bring canned goods to donate to the local food bank.

On Sunday, December 13, you can participate in the Menorah Car Parade and Public Lighting, presented by the Chabad of Anne Arundel County. This free event begins at 5:30, and individually wrapped chocolate gelt, latkes, and Chanukah kits will be given out while supplies last.

If you’re closer to Montgomery County, check out the Drive Through Chanukah Experience on December 12-13. This event promises to bring the story of Chanukah to life like never before!

Celebrating its 25th year, the City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival is ongoing at Seneca Creek State Park. The display of lights will be open nightly November 27 through December 31.

Kids may also enjoy the Hanukkah Story Series presented by the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Best for kids ten and under, this virtual story series also involves interactive crafts and menorah lighting.

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.