In today's economy, investors face both challenges and opportunities. With global events, changing interest rates, and market volatility impacting the investment landscape, it's more important than ever to stay informed and educated on the industry's most pressing issues.

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Paula Wieck, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Commerce Trust Company. In her role, Paula comprehensively represents the firm's research and goals-based investment process, from initial assessment and creation of an investment objective to ongoing evaluation and adjustments based on changing market and life circumstances. She serves clients with thought leadership, insight, and consulting services.

With knowledge of the market and experience in investment management, Paula answers some of the toughest issues in the investment industry today. These include questions about why investors should invest in the stock market despite the recession just around the corner, why rising interest rates are good for investors moving forward, and how to communicate effectively with clients.

Key Takeaways

• [03:34] - Paula's journey to becoming a vice president and senior portfolio manager.
• [05:06] - Commerce Trust Company's investment philosophy.
• [05:59] - Paula's economic outlook.
• [07:32] - What Paula's typical day looks like.
• [09:14] - How client communication for investment managers has changed over time.
• [12:00] - Paula's favorite approach to communicating with clients.
• [14:27] - Paula's thoughts on what makes a good advisor.
• [16:32] - The qualities that make a good client.
• [17:26] - The advice Paula gives to people interested in becoming investment professionals.
• [21:52] - How women can accelerate their involvement in the investment industry.
• [24:07] - Why people should invest in the stock market during a recession.
• [27:40] - Why bonds fail to protect investors in a bear market for equities.
• [32:17] - Why rising interest rates are good for investors moving forward.
• [33:55] - Paula's investment strategy for clients who fear entering the market.
• [35:59] - Paula's favorite investment idea.
• [36:49] - How Paula maintains her energy and ability to perform at a high level.
• [38:11] - Some of the people Paula is grateful to professionally.
• [41:01] - Paula's recommendations for content.

Quotes

[17:51] - "Always stay eager and hungry to learn, and never feel like a project or task is below you. Always look for ways to make things more efficient." ~ Paula Wieck

[26:58] - "It's impossible for people to time the market precisely on both sides very well. So you hurt your returns over the long term by missing those best days that are close to the worst days. Stay invested." ~ Paula Wieck

[33:24] - "Our projections show that the loss we experienced in bonds will recoup around the end of 2025 or early 2026, just from the reinvestment. The older bonds with lower yields will be able to be reinvested in bonds with much higher yields, and that'll be beneficial and be a good time for conservative investors again." ~ Paula Wieck

Links 

• Paula Wieck on LinkedIn
• Commerce Trust Company
• Lose Yourself by Eminem
• CLS Investments
• J. P. Morgan
• Morgan Stanley
• Is market timing worth it during periods of intense volatility? | J.P. Morgan Asset Management
• Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential
• Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges
• Tim Michel
• Thomas "Buzz" Willard
• The Psychology of Money
• Atomic Habits
• Tiny Habits
• A Wealth of Common Sense
• Animal Spirits Podcast
• Weighing the Risks Podcast
• Standard Deviations with Dr. Daniel Crosby
• Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Connect with our hosts

• Rusty Vanneman
• Robyn Murray

Subscribe and stay in touch

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0116-OPS-1/17/2023