The Pitfalls of Market Timing

TimeMarket timing involves moving your money in and out of investments (typically stocks) to try to catch all the performance highs and avoid all the lows. Not even the savviest market players are likely to succeed at this game.

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The Pension Boards Takes Action on Gun Violence

The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ (PBUCC), a founding member of The Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), is taking significant steps toward action on gun violence in America. Gun violence, particularly school shootings, is a concern shared by over 300 faith community members of the organization.

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Well, Ready or Not, Here it Comes: THE FALL

By Rev. Jill E. Olds* 

OldsIt sounds rather daunting when I put it that way, doesn’t it?  I mean, that term can reference a few different things in our church context.  Of course, it can refer to the season of autumn that is upon us.  Or, it can refer to the concept that all of humanity is broken in some way, in need of being raised up by Jesus.

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The Outlook: What We Are Watching

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To be honest, the better performance by the U.S. versus the rest of the world is not entirely unexpected after a strong year for international stocks in 2017. Tax changes and less regulation have stimulated the U.S. economy, but the markets have recently started to gravitate to the idea that the U.S. represents the only investment opportunity in the world. Although Pension Boards’ Funds are allocating a majority of assets to U.S. investments, most experts know the benefits of diversification over the longer term, and international markets should not be ignored, especially when they hold value for the longer-term.

We thought you would like to see a current assessment of emerging markets by GSAM. We will continue to keep you informed on trends influencing global markets and your retirement funds.

*The EM Comeback report is used with permission of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

How to Make the Most of Your Doctor Visits

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Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office and forgot to ask a question about a symptom you’ve been having, or brought home a new medication and couldn’t remember if you were supposed to take it with a meal?

A little preparation before your next visit can help you ensure you’re getting the most out of your doctor visits, and ensure you’re being an active participant in your health – saving you time, money and worry. You can get more from your doctor visits by following these tips:

Before you go…

  • Choose the right doctor. Check if your provider is in your health plan’s network, how long it takes to get an appointment, and if they’re available for medical issues after hours.
  • Create a list of questions you want answered. Prioritize the list to ensure you ask the most important questions first.
  • Bring a record of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements you take regularly, as well as the names and contact information of other doctors you see.
  • Take along a personal health record and other pertinent information to share.
  • Ask someone to go with you to take notes or to be a second set of ears.

While at the visit…

  • Arrive on time. Your appointment allots you a specific amount of time with the doctor.
  • Be open and honest. Sometimes it can feel awkward to discuss certain things with your doctor. Being truthful and forthcoming can help your doctor better assess your needs.
  • Share your history. Your personal and family health history may offer the doctor insight into how to manage your care.
  • Get the details about tests, procedures and treatments. Ask about side effects and when to expect test results.
  • Listen actively to your doctor to demonstrate that you are a partner in your care.

Staying Safe in Warmer Weather

stayHydratedAs the days get warmer, it becomes increasingly important to stay hydrated and keep your body cool. Whether you are spending a leisurely day at the beach or going for an outdoor run, you should make sure that you are taking the proper steps to prevent dehydration and overheating.

Tips to stay hydrated:

  • Keep water on hand: Take a water bottle with you before leaving the house and drink from it throughout the day. Feeling thirsty is a signal that your body is already on the way to dehydration, so drink up!
  • Snack on hydrating fruits and veggies: Peaches, oranges, cucumber, carrots, watermelon, and grapes all taste great and help to rehydrate!
  • Drink water before, during, and after exercising: If you are doing low to moderate activity for less than an hour, water is sufficient. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that for every 15-20 minutes you exercise, drink 3-8 fluid ounces of water (if you’re not exceeding 60 minutes of exercise).

Know the signs of a heat-related illness: Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Extreme Heat and Your Health website to learn about the warning signs of heat-related illness. If you suspect that you or someone you are with is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

With just a little planning and preparation, you and your loved ones can stay cool and refreshed on hot summer days. Enjoy the warm weather and stay safe!

The Pension Boards-UCC, Inc. Becomes PRI Signatory

The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ (PBUCC) has been accepted as a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), joining more than 1,900 organizations around the world that have publicly demonstrated their commitment to responsible investment.

"Becoming a PRI signatory is a testament of PBUCC’s witness of sustainable investment," said President and CEO Brian R. Bodager. "This further aligns us with organizations working toward the greater good and a just world.”

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Cigna Acquires Express Scripts, PBUCC Pharmacy Benefit Manager

On March 8, the Pension Boards was notified that an agreement had been reached by Cigna to acquire Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefit manager for the UCC Non-Medicare and Medicare Supplement with Rx Plans. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year and is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
 

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