March 12, 2025


The #1 thing the WRONG Advisor Says in a Market Downturn…


“Don’t look at your statement. The market will come back.”


Ever heard those words?


Here are mine: LOOK AT YOUR STATEMENT.


The Facts:
📌 January 27, 2025—We locked in double-digit gains and reinvested in unprecedented levels of protection ahead of tariff announcements.
📌 All three of Alphavest’s flagship models—Equity Income, Aristocrats, and Dynamic Core Equity—are beating benchmarks YTD:
✔ Equity Income & Aristocrat Models: UP 6+% YTD
✔ DJIA: -1.49% | S&P 500: -4.54% | Nasdaq: -9.54%
📌 August 2024: We divested significant risk from the Magnificent 7, pivoting into equal-weighted indices and dividend-heavy names like Walmart (ahem, +84% in 2024).


So please, LOOK at your statement.


Despite tax season and actively managing Alphavest’s investment models, I’m opening up my calendar a month early for portfolio reviews.


HERE’S MY ASK:
📌 Read this update–in its entirety.
📌 Then, re-read #3 of the 3 for 3: Financial Wellness in Times of Economic Uncertainty.


Choose financial wellness NOW over the noise.
It’ll cost you less than 5 minutes of your time, and offers a roadmap for you to rise above–because at Alphavest, we’re different. So are you.


Remember: We’ve got you managed.

March 3 For 3:


#1: Alphavest’s 2024 Market Strategy Review 
and Report Card 


2024 Strategy Review: What Alphavest Got Right & Where We Can Improve
1. U.S. Growth Chugs Along – No Landing Scenario
✅ What We Got Right:
The U.S. economy avoided a recession and expanded above trend, driven by strong consumer spending and corporate resilience, just as Alphavest predicted.
Tech & AI sectors outperformed, reinforcing our view that new economy sectors would lead growth.
Large-cap equities continued global leadership, validating our emphasis on U.S. equities.
❌ What Could Have Been Better:
Emerging markets were mixed—while India was a bright spot, Taiwan and South Korea underperformed.
Value strategies lagged growth, despite our positioning toward “new economy” value plays.
2. Inflation Higher for Longer (3-3.5%)
✅ What We Got Right:
Inflation remained sticky, particularly in services, wages, and shelter, validating our higher-for-longer call.
TIPS and real assets provided a hedge, proving their effectiveness in inflation-sensitive portfolios.
❌ What Could Have Been Better:
We underestimated how quickly market expectations would shift toward Fed rate cuts, fueling a market rally that hurt inflation-sensitive trades.
Red Sea supply chain disruptions increased inflationary pressures, yet we could have leaned more heavily into commodities as a hedge.
3. Fixed Income: The “Income” is Back
✅ What We Got Right:
High-yield bonds and emerging market debt provided strong returns.
Favoring credit risk over duration risk was the right move given rate volatility.
24-42% of our Bond Models were in USFR with a 4.95% yield and little duration risk.
❌ What Could Have Been Better:
We hedged against falling long-term rates by adding some duration exposure—while this underperformed in 2024 (lagging the S&P 500 by 9.35%), it paid off in early 2025, with our 15% EDV duration play now outperforming all other positions in our Dynamic Core Model.
4. Navigating Black Swan Events & Market Disruptions
✅ What We Got Right:
Diversification helped hedge uncertainty, as Alphavest remained broadly allocated across asset classes.
Geopolitical risks materialized—tariffs, deglobalization, and supply chain disruptions drove volatility, as expected.
❌ What Could Have Been Better:
Market sentiment shifted faster than anticipated, creating buying opportunities we could have capitalized on earlier.
ESG and autocracy-exclusion strategies saw mixed results, and we could have added more AI and defense exposure—General Dynamics (GD) underperformed relative to peers.


#2 Alphavest’s 2025 Investment Themes & Strategies:


1. Strengthen Diversification – Alternative Assets & Fixed Income Play Bigger Roles
📌 Key Insights:
Kate Nevin (TSWS): “2025 is a year to be an investor, not just an allocator.”
Truist: “Market disruptions will create opportunities, but investors must be strategic.”
💡 Strategy:
✔ Continue alternative & private credit allocations for steady returns outside of equity market volatility.
✔ Tactical bond positioning—focus on short-duration high-yield debt and emerging market bonds, but actively manage risk.
✔ Structured Notes positioning—high allocation with double-digit upside potential and downside protection (0-5% max losses).
🔍 Adjustments from 2024:
✔ Maintain high-yield bond positions but actively manage duration exposure.
✔ Increase infrastructure and commodity allocations to hedge inflation and geopolitical risks.


2. Be Tactical in Equity Exposure – Focus on Earnings & Fundamentals
📌 Key Insights:
Dorsey Wright: “Stocks with strong technical attributes outperformed weaker ones in 2024.”
Truist: “Market leadership is shifting. AI remains strong, but companies must prove ROI.”
💡 Strategy:
✔ Quality over hype—focus on AI & tech with proven earnings, not speculative plays.
✔ Lean into mid-caps—broader participation beyond mega-caps supports growth.
✔ Be ready to buy into market pullbacks—market dislocations = buying opportunities.
🔍 Adjustments from 2024:
✔ More selective in international/emerging markets—exploring China exposure cautiously.
✔ Maintain U.S. large-cap overweight but consider tactical mid-cap over current small-cap exposure.


3. Inflation Protection – Commodities & Defensive Sectors as a Hedge
📌 Key Insights:
Alphavest (2024): “Inflation will be higher for longer.”
Truist (2025): “Inflation-sensitive assets remain attractive, even as rate cut expectations grow.”
💡 Strategy:
✔ Increase real asset exposure (commodities, energy, infrastructure).
✔ Hold TIPS & inflation-protected securities, but adjust based on Fed movements.
✔ Defensive equity exposure—healthcare & consumer staples remain key hedges.
🔍 Adjustments from 2024:
✔ Better balance rate-sensitive investments—maintain inflation hedges while accounting for potential rate cuts.


4. Capitalize on Market Disruptions – Invest Where Fear is High
📌 Key Insights:
Dorsey Wright: “When investor sentiment is extremely bearish, markets tend to rebound.”
Benjamin Graham: “In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.”
💡 Strategy:
✔ Avoid emotional investing—market turbulence = opportunity.
✔ Stay disciplined—use volatility to accumulate high-quality assets at discounts.
✔ Watch for sentiment extremes—Dorsey Wright’s research shows bearish sentiment often precedes strong recoveries.
🔍 Adjustments from 2024:
✔ Be more aggressive in market pullbacks, particularly in 10-Year Model where risk is tolerated and appropriate.
✔ Use AI-enhanced technical/fundamental software to identify optimal entry points faster.


Final Takeaways for 2025
🔹 Be active, not passive—markets are shifting, and the best opportunities require tactical positioning.
🔹 Balance risk & reward—use alternative assets, fixed income, and defensive equity to hedge risk while capturing upside.
🔹 Stay disciplined in volatility—history favors those who buy when fear is high.


QUESTION—if you had no fear of losing money, what stock, “on sale” would you buy TODAY?



💡 The Key Takeaway?

Investors who remain solely reliant on stock market gains are missing the bigger picture. The best opportunities exist in strategically diversified portfolios that balance risk and reward beyond traditional equities.


Final Thought:
Short-term volatility does not define investment success—long-term discipline does.
As Benjamin Graham reminds us:
“In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.”
This year, we weigh the opportunities wisely.


#3: Financial Wellness in Times of Economic Uncertainty
Thanks to AI and ChatGPT, in just four minutes, I was able to download my book, Perfect Day, and extract exactly what I wanted to share with you—a roadmap for financial wellness in times of economic uncertainty.


Because now is when leadership matters.
This is when clarity, confidence, and conviction separate the exceptional from the reactive. This is when we make imperfect days, Perfect.


At Alphavest, we don’t just manage wealth—we guide lives toward freedom, stability, and purpose, funded BY portfolio returns…returns delivered with wellness. Returns experienced with less stress in volatile times. 


Perfect Day isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a proven process that has forged our deepest client relationships and delivered results that go beyond the market’s ups and downs.
Choosing financial wellness over market noise isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
This is where opportunity lives. Are you ready? 
To more perfect days!


1. Adapting to Market Volatility Without Emotional Decisions
With trade tensions, inflation concerns, and shifting fiscal policies, adaptability is key.
Maintain a diversified portfolio to withstand market swings and avoid panic-driven decisions.
Take advantage of lower asset prices during downturns to strengthen long-term investments.
Avoid emotional reactions to volatility—history has shown that disciplined investors who stay the course outperform those who sell in fear.
📌 Actionable Step: Instead of making reactionary moves, focus on long-term value investing and rebalancing portfolios to align with financial goals.
💡 Define Your Financial Philosophy: A clear Commander’s Intent (Ch.7) for wealth prevents emotional decision-making and ensures investments align with your personal values and long-term vision.




2. Strengthen Career & Wealth Resilience
Economic slowdowns don’t just affect investments—they can impact job security as well.
Invest in skill development to ensure career longevity in uncertain times.
Pursue additional certifications or training to gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Stay adaptable and future-proof your skills to maintain financial security and flexibility.
📌 Actionable Step: Evaluate industry trends and career opportunities, and invest in continuous learning to stay ahead of potential disruptions.
💡 Time Is More Valuable Than Money: Instead of working endlessly, design your days with intentionality, ensuring time is spent on growth, impact, and financial well-being.




3. Prioritizing Financial Wellness to Reduce Stress
Financial stress is one of the greatest killers of well-being, but building a strong financial foundation reduces anxiety and provides stability in uncertain times.
Managing debt responsibly ensures long-term flexibility.
A well-funded emergency account (6-12 months of expenses) creates a safety net.
A balanced approach to investing and savings supports both short-term stability and long-term growth.
📌 Actionable Step: Set clear financial goals, automate savings, and regularly review financial plans to maintain financial security.
💡 Gratitude (Ch. 4)  Reframes Financial Success: A wealth mindset isn’t just about chasing returns—it’s about appreciating what you already have while working toward more.


4. Fostering Open Financial Communication
Money is a leading source of stress, but open conversations with family and advisors reduce uncertainty and improve financial planning.
Discuss financial goals and challenges with family to align expectations.
Collaborate with financial professionals to ensure investments match life goals.
Regular check-ins promote financial literacy and maintain a clear long-term vision.
📌 Actionable Step: Schedule quarterly financial discussions with your family or advisor to track progress and adjust as needed.
💡 Relationships (Ch 12) Are the Ultimate Currency: Wealth means nothing without strong relationships—invest in trusted advisors, impactful work, and giving back.


5. Building a Financially Resilient Lifestyle
Financial wellness isn’t just about surviving economic downturns—it’s about thriving in any market condition.
Stay proactive rather than reactive. A flexible financial strategy allows you to navigate changes confidently.
Rebalance investments strategically. Market fluctuations create opportunities to buy quality assets at lower prices while adjusting risk exposure.
Use downturns as learning experiences. Economic shifts often highlight gaps in financial planning—adjust and refine strategies accordingly.
📌 Actionable Step: Develop a financial game plan that includes investment rebalancing, debt management, career development, and open financial communication to ensure stability in uncertain times.
💡 Delegate to Elevate (Ch. 11): Free up time by outsourcing financial tasks that don’t align with your strengths, whether in business, investing, or personal finance. (AHEM…hire trusted advisors!)


6. Wealth Should Serve Your Life, Not the Other Way Around
Financial success is meaningless if it leads to burnout, broken relationships, or missed experiences. True financial wellness means ensuring your wealth is structured around living fully, not just accumulating more (Ch. 5).
Invest in experiences, not just assets. Studies show that spending on memories and time with loved ones creates deeper fulfillment than material possessions.
Ensure your financial plan aligns with your values. This means having a clear wealth philosophy that prioritizes both security and joy.
Use wealth to create freedom, not limitations. A strong portfolio should support the life you want to live today—not just in retirement.
📌 Actionable Step: Regularly assess your financial plan to ensure that it prioritizes personal fulfillment, not just financial accumulation.
💡 Live With Urgency, Not Hesitation: Economic and personal disruptions are opportunities, not obstacles. Instead of fearing volatility, use it as a catalyst for growth.




Final Thought: Aligning Wealth With Well-Being
True wealth isn’t just about accumulating assets—it’s about designing a life that aligns with personal values, financial freedom, and meaningful relationships. By structuring financial strategies that support a life well-lived, investors can achieve not just portfolio growth, but true prosperity.


Are you in? Choose WELLNESS—quiet the noise. Let’s do this!




Partner with Alphavest! Inquire about Alphavest Partner POINTS for Events, Reviews, and Referrals!





Current Market Update:

On March 10, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced their most significant decline of the year, driven by escalating recession fears. The Nasdaq Composite fell 4%, marking its third-worst point loss ever, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.7% and 2.1%, respectively. Contributing factors include aggressive trade policies, particularly new tariffs, and concerns over inflation and global economic stability.


Political uncertainty, tariff concerns, growth-focused areas rolling over – all are a challenge to the last two years “markets go up” status quo. To measure just how bearish (or bullish) people are at any point in time, markets typically look towards the weekly AAII Sentiment Survey, which gauges the overall tone of investors over the next six months. For the week ending 2/26/2025, this reading jumped to over 60%, meaning over 3/5th’s of respondents were bearish.


To put this in perspective, the historical “bearish” average (since 1987) clocks in at 31%. Readings at or above 60% are extraordinarily rare, happening a total of seven (including this week) times since the start of the dataset. That is roughly 0.36% of the time. The reading is the highest since September of 2022. Before that, chart levels >60% were untouched until March of 2009. Point being, people being this negative on the stock market is quite unusual. NOTE: the market went from Bear to BULL In March 2009. 


It turns out that historically, people have been most worried at the wrong times. Time will tell. In the meanwhile, know that we are focused on the above 2024 Scorecard, adjustment, takeaways and are laser focused on our 2025 themes and strategies. Its worth restating a bit more here. At Alphavest we think its smart to focus on solutions, in particular “creating our own economies” and further as a way to side-step market volatility.



As the markets experience heightened turbulence, long-term investors are reevaluating their exposure to traditional equities. The recent market sell-off underscores the importance of diversification beyond stocks—a concept we’ve actively embraced in our investment strategies.


Kate Nevin, Portfolio Manager at TSWS, highlights this shift in her latest investor letter:
“Markets may be underestimating potential economic cooling, even as the Fed adopts a ‘wait-and-see’ approach. 2025 is a year to be an investor, not just an allocator.” It was Kate her savvy team, experience and acumen that showed me the high value in “Investing in Solutions”—as a smarter approach to market volatility”


Nevin’s approach reflects the growing trend of institutional investors moving capital into private credit, structured finance, and alternative assets—areas that are delivering strong risk-adjusted returns. TSWS, for example, generated +160 basis points of outperformance against the S&P 500 in October and an additional +180 basis points of alpha in December by emphasizing alternative investments that hedge against market corrections.


As Nevin notes, “There is a strong case for focusing on generating returns that are largely uncorrelated with broad moves in equities, currencies, and rates.”


As mentioned, we are actively positioning portfolios to capitalize on non-traditional investment opportunities. Through our strategic partnership with Kate Nevin at TSWS and other top alternative managers, we are identifying investments that protect against volatility while generating attractive returns.


This means leveraging:
✔ Private credit strategies that provide income without direct stock market exposure.
✔ Alternative investment funds that take advantage of market inefficiencies.
✔ Hedge fund allocations to generate alpha in both rising and falling markets.
The takeaway? Investors who remain solely reliant on stock market gains are playing yesterday’s game. Today’s winners are those who adapt, diversify, and seek new sources of return.


If recent market swings have you questioning your portfolio’s resilience, now is the time to explore how an allocation to alternative investments can enhance stability and maximize performance.


👉 Reference: TSWS Quarterly Investor Letter (February 28, 2025), WSJ, Bloomberg, Federal Reserve Data.

Alphavest Model Update 2025 YTD:






Alphavest Model Update for the year ending 2024:






Winners & Losers

30-day & YTD Portfolio Winners

30-day & YTD Winners:


To be a winner of the last 30 days and YTD needs no further kudos. Largely Healthcare related, with some Insurance and Industrials joining them on the list.








30-day & Portfolio Losers:
30-day & YTD Losers:
Our tiny toe dip in to Crypto in December has hurt—and we’re still IN, and will be adding more to IBIT as we anticipated we would be doing—we just didn’t anticipate this great of a discount from our entry level.


Per the above 2024/2025 Strategy comments in the above 3 For 3, we will be heavily evaluating Emerging Markets and Small Cap exposure; we expect to see positions in PIN increased and IJR decreased soon.


NOTE: Despite the fact that Alphavest 10 Year Model position NU tops the Loser board with a loss we rarely see in our Models, of -27.46% in the last 3O days, it doesn’t make the YTD Loser board. IMPRESSIVE. We will HOLD.







Want up-to-date info on all Alphavest’s Investment Models?


Events! JOIN US
The babies are here! 
Join us at the Farm for Goat Yoga (clients FREE):
Saturday, March 22 · 11am – 12pm EDT. Doors at 10:30am
5282 Bedaw Farm Drive Awendaw, SC 29429


Welcome to Goat Yoga at The Back Barn at Bedaw Farms! Join us for a unique yoga experience surrounded by adorable goats. Our furry friends will roam around as you stretch and pose, adding an element of fun and relaxation to your practice. This event is perfect for yogis of all levels, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Come unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the company of our friendly goats. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind yoga session!


More Info


TEDx Charleston: April 23 @12:30 PM at the Charleston Music Hall
The event kicks off at 12:30 pm and features a lineup of inspiring and entertaining talks and performances from Charleston locals, on a wide range of topics in health, science, social issues, technology and more. MCs for this year’s event will be the dynamic duo of Zandrina Dunning and Stephen Washington, much loved local musicians, entertainment personalities and producers – and no strangers to the TEDx stage themselves.


The 2025 theme is Thrive. We are in the midst of a new era of uncertainty, chaos and paradigm shifts. It’s not for the faint of heart and standing still will leave you behind. Now is the time to Thrive! Our 2025 TEDx cohort talks about insurmountable challenges, incalculable risks, and the opportunities that come out of taking their mountains head on. Come to learn, leave inspired. And be prepared to thrive.


Have a suggestion about a future Lunch & Learn (can attend virtually for those not in the CHS zipcode)? Let us know!

As always, sending you a Perfect Day and your best year, yet!

Advisory Services offered through Red Triangle, LLC DBA Alphavest

PS: Reach out to us to test drive a customized Morningstar Report! AND get your Alphavest Altruist LOGIN for easy to to understand account performance tracking! TEXT US TODAY.

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AND–if you enjoyed this 3 For 3, the greatest thank you is a comment here or forward it to a friend (and you’ll rack up some Alphavest Points!)