Market Fluctuation Update

by msfinancialresources | May 14, 2025

Clients, friends, and colleagues:

Recent market movements may be causing some concern, and I want to take a moment to both acknowledge your feelings and provide some perspective during this time of volatility.

Market fluctuations, while unsettling, are a natural part of investing. History shows that patience and a well-thought-out-strategy tends to reward those who stay the course rather than reacting to short-term volatility. Below are 2 powerful charts from First Trust.

The first slide below shows Intra-Year Declines in the S&P 500. As you will see, it’s normal to see large swings even in years that the market ended positively (recent examples: 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 and many more).

The next chart shows the History of U.S. Bear & Bull Markets. The average Bull (UP) Market lasts 4.3 years with average cumulative total returns of 149%. While the average Bear (DOWN) market has lasted 11.1 months with an average cumulative loss of -31.7%.

If you’re feeling uncertain or want to revisit your plan with me, I am here. I’m more than happy to revisit your portfolio, risk, financial plan, goals, time horizon anytime. Your peace of mind is my top priority. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly with any questions.

As always, thank you for your partnership with our firm.

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(913) 529-2304

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Address: 7400 W 130th Street, Suite #100 Overland Park, KS 66213

MS Financial Resources is a division of Midwest Financial Group LLC an SEC registered investment adviser.

As a registered investment adviser, we are now required to provide clients a new Client Relationship Summary document knows as “Form CRS”. This new form, which is available here, is the third part of our Form ADV investment adviser registration statement, so it is also referred to at times as “Form ADV Part 3”.

The purpose of the form is to provide clients with clear and succinct information regarding key aspects of investment advisory and brokerage relationships. The new form includes summarized information about services we provide, fees we charge, how our advisors are compensated, industry practices, etc. It also references where you can find additional information in our Form ADV Part 2 Disclosure Brochure, which we can provide you at any time free of charge, is posted at the website indicated on the Client Relationship Summary or you can access the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) system at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and welcome any questions you have about our firm or about your account.