Chris Chen CFP

Chris Chen CFP As a wealth strategist, I help people like you make smart financial decisions to live your best life

You might have seen headlines warning that “banks are in trouble.” It’s easy to assume the worst, but the data tells a v...
06/22/2026

You might have seen headlines warning that “banks are in trouble.” It’s easy to assume the worst, but the data tells a very different story.

Right now, banks are actually in one of the strongest positions they’ve been in for decades, with healthy balance sheets and low loan-to-deposit ratios.

Meanwhile, the bond market has quietly had its worst stretch in fifty years. That’s right, with five years of underperformance, and barely a mention in the media.

For long-term investors, this is why context matters. The markets and the media don’t always tell the same story. My goal is to help you focus on what truly matters and tune out the noise.

When oil prices move, the effects tend to extend far beyond the energy sector.Gas prices have recently approached ~$3.88...
06/18/2026

When oil prices move, the effects tend to extend far beyond the energy sector.

Gas prices have recently approached ~$3.88 per gallon, reflecting broader increases in oil prices. While this is immediately visible at the pump, the impact can be more widespread.

Energy costs influence transportation, production, and supply chains, which can contribute to broader inflation trends.

Some projections suggest that if oil prices remain elevated (around $100+ per barrel) developed economies could see inflation increase by approximately 1%.

From there, inflation expectations can influence interest rate expectations, which in turn may affect multiple areas of the economy and financial markets.

It’s a reminder that many economic variables are interconnected—and small shifts in one area can lead to broader ripple effects.

One of the most powerful advantages investors have is time. History consistently reminds us that while headlines can cre...
06/16/2026

One of the most powerful advantages investors have is time. History consistently reminds us that while headlines can create short-term fear and uncertainty, longer holding periods have historically improved outcomes dramatically. We don’t control the headlines, the election cycle, or the next geopolitical event. What we can control is our discipline, diversification, and willingness to stay invested through uncertainty.

It’s easy to assume that war and geopolitical conflict would lead to poor market returns.It feels logical. Uncertainty r...
06/15/2026

It’s easy to assume that war and geopolitical conflict would lead to poor market returns.

It feels logical. Uncertainty rises. Headlines get worse. Investor sentiment often weakens.

But historically, the relationship hasn’t been so straightforward.

Looking at past geopolitical events, the market’s median 1-year return has been close to 10%, roughly in line with long-term averages. In other words, markets have often continued to behave in line with historical norms, even during periods of elevated uncertainty.

This doesn’t mean risk disappears or outcomes are guaranteed. It simply highlights how markets have responded in prior environments.

Moments like these can create a gap between how things feel and how markets actually behave.

That tension is worth paying attention to.

This chart shows the total assets that the Federal Reserve held on its balance sheet from 2007 to the present. It shows ...
06/08/2026

This chart shows the total assets that the Federal Reserve held on its balance sheet from 2007 to the present. It shows that in times of economic distress, the Fed spurs the economy by pumping dollars into the economy by buying bonds from investors, and when the economy does better, the Fed pulls back dollars from the economy by selling the bonds on its balance sheet. In the past couple of years, the Fed has been pulling dollars out of the economy. That could contribute to the lack of comfort that we all feel.

Diversification: we tell everyone of our clients that diversification works. This shows it again. You can tell, because ...
06/05/2026

Diversification: we tell everyone of our clients that diversification works. This shows it again. You can tell, because it's really hard to tell which sector is going to do best in the next period. If you take the balanced period (dark blue tile) that invests in all the asset classes (60% stocks and 40% bonds), it never goes to the top, but also never goes to the bottom. Is your portfolio diversified?

Address

Newton, MA
02458

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chris Chen CFP posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category