Doug English Provides ACT Advisors’ May 2025 Update
As April 2025 comes to a close, investors are looking back on one of the most unpredictable months in recent memory. Doug English shares his monthly update and reassures clients that, despite attention-grabbing headlines, ACT Advisors has strong systems in place to help protect and grow client portfolios over the long term.
April’s Market Ups and Downs
The month began on steady ground. But soon, concerns over new global tariffs caused stock markets around the world to fall. Unusually, even bond markets declined at the same time, adding to investor concerns. Fortunately, the government responded to these signals from the market and pulled back most of the planned tariffs. That decision sparked a big market recovery by mid-April.
Later in the month, worries rose again when there was talk of removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. This led to another round of market losses. However, that issue was also resolved, and by the end of the month, both stock and bond markets had settled near where they began — roughly flat for April overall.
The key message for clients is that short-term market swings often feel worse in the moment than they look in hindsight. April is a strong reminder of how quickly markets can move both down and back up, and why it’s important to stay focused on long-term strategies rather than short-term headlines.
Staying Steady Through Market Changes
Here are some important reminders:
- Do not focus too much on short-term changes.
The markets naturally go up and down. What really matters is how your portfolio is set up to handle those ups and downs over time. Even with all the movement in April, things basically balanced out in the end.
- Do not let the headlines control your financial decisions.
When clients need income, the ACT Advisors team has tested strategies for where to pull that money from. For example, when the stock market is down more than 10 percent, we avoid selling stocks unless a client is making a very large withdrawal. Instead, we use fixed income positions (like bonds) so we do not lock in losses by selling stocks at a low point. This careful, disciplined approach is a key part of how we work to protect client wealth.
What’s New in Your Portfolio
While our main stock and bond strategies remain steady, there is one new update. For the first time in years, ACT Advisors is adding a small international investment to client portfolios. This change is based on positive momentum in European markets, helped by the weakening U.S. dollar.
Starting in May, you will see about 10 percent of your portfolio invested in a fund that tracks European markets. Doug explains this is a thoughtful adjustment based on opportunity, not a reaction to short-term market noise.
Meanwhile, our stock rotation strategy, which moved into cash several months ago, will stay in cash for now. This system is designed to look at longer-term trends, not month-to-month changes. And while it waits, it is earning a good yield. The bond rotation will also stay where it is as we move into May.
Keep Focused on What Matters Most
Doug closes his update with an important reminder: you have a plan that is built to handle volatility. You should not let market swings stop you from enjoying your life or staying focused on your long-term goals.
Doug English is the founder of ACT Advisors, a fee-only fiduciary firm with offices in Asheville, NC, and Charleston, SC, serving clients nationwide. Guided by Doug’s deep expertise and proactive approach, ACT Advisors helps clients make informed financial decisions, prioritize wealth protection, and confidently navigate market complexities. As dedicated advisors and advocates, the ACT Advisors team brings an unwavering commitment to transparency, personalized planning, and empowering clients at every stage of their financial journey.