Talbot Financial – 4Q 2023 Review

2023 was a favorable year for the equity markets, as represented by a 26.3% increase in the Index. A somewhat remarkable result set against the backdrop of the fastest pace of Federal Reserve rate increases in 40-years, a regional banking crisis and an escalaing war in the Middle East. In our view, it demonstrates the resiliency of the of the broader U.S. financial system and the sustainable competitive advantages of large industry leading companies.