Jamie Schrotberger, CFA Senior Portfolio Manger Faithward Capital


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Before the Easter season, Lent is a time of discipline, restraint, and renewed focus on what truly matters. It reminds us that growth often begins with examination — that clarity comes not in comfort, but in intentional pause. Markets feel a bit like that right now.


he major indices have stumbled to start the year. After a period of concentrated leadership, particularly among the “Magnificent Seven,” volatility has broadened.


Inflation concerns, global bond market pressures, and ongoing scrutiny around artificial intelligence spending have led investors to reassess valuations and risk. Gold has pushed higher as a store of stability, while Bitcoin has retreated from recent peaks — evidence of a market recalibrating rather than collapsing.


Corrections are uncomfortable. But they are also constructive.


As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we are reminded that America’s story has never been linear. Te last two and a half centuries have included expansion and contraction, prosperity and uncertainty. What carried the country forward was not the absence of challenge — it was foresight, resilience, and disciplined planning.


Te same principles apply to investing.


Enduring wealth is not built in a single bull market. It is built over cycles — through ownership, diversification, patience, and the willingness to look beyond the present moment. Today’s environment calls for balance: maintaining exposure to long-term innovation while grounding portfolios in quality companies with durable fundamentals. It calls for conviction without complacency.


Lent teaches us that discipline is not deprivation; it is preparation. In markets, discipline means resisting emotional decisions. It means revisiting allocations thoughtfully rather than reacting to headlines. It means remembering that volatility often resets valuations and creates opportunity for long-term investors.


But this season is about more than portfolios. VISIT FAITHWARDADVISORS.COM/IMPACT TO LEARN MORE! 2021


Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Launched an investment in infrastructure to promote economic growth and address various challenges.


2021


Rising Inflation: The U.S. began experiencing inflationary pressures, prompting discussions around monetary policy and economic recovery.


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If the 250-year milestone invites reflection on freedom, it should also prompt reflection on responsibility. Financial independence is a gift — and it carries with it the ability to serve others. Strong families build strong communities. Strong communities sustain a nation.


Generosity is not separate from financial planning; it is an extension of it. A well- constructed plan creates margin — and margin creates the ability to give, to invest in neighbors, to support causes that reflect our values. In a year focused on independence, giving becomes an expression of gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities we steward.


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We are excited to announce Faithward Impact Days this April, where we will match your Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) up to $250 and amplify Donor Advised Fund contributions of $10,000 or more with an additional $500 — because generosity, like good stewardship, is always worth investing in.


Markets will continue to move. Leadership will rotate. Headlines will change. But vision, discipline, and generosity remain steady anchors.


Two hundred and fifty years ago, this country was founded on courage and long-term thinking. Lasting wealth is built the same way.


Tis season invites patience. It invites perspective. And it invites purpose.


Spring is coming — in the markets, and in the work we are called to do beyond them.


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