Message from the President
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| Rob Fairly |
Dear Friends,
The first quarter of 2012 was a lot more fun than last year. Every stock sector posted gains, reflecting the feeling that the economy is slowly but steadily improving. Led by strong private-sector job growth, the unemployment rate came down as retail sales improved. Even Europe began to look better.
The Income Fund paid one percent, about ten times the average one year CD rate. Both the Balanced and Equity Funds slightly lagged their benchmarks; 6.7% versus 7.3% and 11.52% versus 12%, respectively. The slight under performance can be attributed to the quality tilt these funds have in the heated market rally we saw in late March.
April has already shown volatility remains. So, how do you participate in long-term growth without getting hammered too badly when stocks suffer their inevitable periodic declines? Knowing when to move in and out of the market profitably is impossible. The Foundation believes that a diversified mix of investments provides for the possibility of solid returns with a safe degree of downside protection.
FDR, inaugurated in the middle of a bank panic, inspired many with his statement, “The only thing we have to fear… is fear itself.” We know we need not live in fear of the economy. We need to look to God as our provider and watch our faith grow.
Thank you for your ministry and the confidence you place in your Foundation.
Sincerely, Rob Fairly
President/CEO
Realities, Challenges and Opportunities in the United Methodist Church
Since the formation of the United Methodist Church, virtually everything related to money has increased dramatically, including net assets, giving and spending per worshipper, and total giving and spending. Yet virtually everything related to people has gone down, such as membership, attendance, professions of faith, and children and youth. These are the realities of the United Methodist Church.
Click here to see a video concerning how can we address these issues and use them as opportunities for growth?
