Our society has been transformed in a very short period of time.  We have changed the way we work, the way we communicate and the way we shop – all due to a surprise pandemic and the impact it has had on many parts of our lives.  We did not expect such a dramatic event to curtail economic activity and drive our economy into recession. The stock market reacted initially and fell sharply in March 2020 as COVID shutdowns and fear gripped our economy.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 37% of its value from February 12, 2020 and March 23, 2020.  However, stocks changed course quickly and the market recovery was sharp and swift as stimulus programs and unemployment benefits kicked in.  Looking back, it was easy to panic and sell stocks which turned out to be the absolute wrong move. Recessions are usually triggered by economic excesses, strong[more…]