Strategic liquidity in an ever-evolving market environment
- Having access to diverse forms of liquidity can be crucial to helping investors meet their short and long term goals, particularly through market evolutions.
- Investors may require cash at different stages in their investing journey, making various banking solutions potentially attractive.
- To learn what options might be available to interested investors, we spoke with George Epstein, Head of Lending at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, and Angelena Mascilli, Head of Banking at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.
In an ever-evolving market environment, access to diverse forms of liquidity may be crucial for investors to meet their needs and stay prepared for the unexpected. This flexibility may enable investors to adjust their investment strategies in response to changes in interest rates, market conditions and sentiment. Investors may require cash for various reasons, yet may be unaware of the full range of options available to meet their liquidity needs, such as utilizing banking solutions, money market funds, or establishing a securities-based line of credit.
We spoke with George Epstein, Head of Lending at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, and Angelena Mascilli, Head of Banking at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management to explore some liquidity options that may be of interest to investors.
From a banking perspective, what are key considerations investors may want to keep in mind when managing liquidity in an ever-evolving market environment?
MASCILLI: Investors may want to focus on optimizing their cash management strategies to ensure they are well-prepared to handle potential market fluctuations that may occur in the future. Maintaining appropriate liquidity allocations for everyday needs can help alleviate the pressures of unexpected market events. This approach also helps sustain confidence in long-term wealth plans, which may prevent investors from losing sight of their goals due to short-term disruptions. Additionally, there may be opportunities to capture yield in the nearer term, including high-yield savings accounts, money market funds and broader short-term investments.
Interested in working with an advisor?
Work 1:1 with our advisors to help build a personalized financial strategy that’s built around you.
How can investors leverage lending solutions to enhance their liquidity position?
EPSTEIN: Lending solutions may help investors meet their liquidity needs more effectively, whether for a planned life event or an unexpected opportunity. At times, a need may be known well in advance, such as financial support for an adult child getting married. At other times, a liquidity need may arise suddenly, such as an investor’s dream home finally coming to market. In either case, prudent use of debt can be an asset to an investor’s financial plan. A securities-based line of credit can be a tool to fund these needs without disrupting a broader investment strategy. It's important to evaluate the terms and conditions of any new borrowing to ensure alignment with long-term goals.
What best practices should investors consider adopting to ensure they are making informed decisions about their liquidity management?
MASCILLI: Investors may want to routinely review their financial statements and engage in scenario planning to anticipate potential changes in their liquidity needs. This includes considering known financial obligations as well as establishing a safety net to better ensure financial stability during unforeseen circumstances. Maintaining an open dialogue with their financial advisor about their evolving needs and goals may be helpful, as they can provide tailored advice and strategies to optimize liquidity management based on each investor’s unique circumstances.
What role does strategic planning play in optimizing liquidity, and how can investors align their strategies with market conditions?
EPSTEIN: Strategic planning can be helpful for aligning liquidity and liability management with broader financial objectives. Investors may want to collaborate with their financial advisor to conduct regular assessments of their cash flow, time horizon and capital structure, while considering how changes in interest rates impact their borrowing costs. Through a goals-based approach, investors and their financial advisor can work together to explore short-term solutions beyond cash and cash-equivalent instruments. By aligning their liquidity strategies with market conditions, investors can potentially position themselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
What specific actions should investors consider taking now to prepare for future market shifts?
MASCILLI: Investors may want to focus on building a diversified portfolio that can adapt to changing market conditions. This includes maintaining a balance between short-term and long-term investments and ensuring access to sufficient liquidity to meet unexpected needs. Additionally, investors may want to stay informed about economic trends and adjust their strategies accordingly to remain agile and responsive to future shifts.
EPSTEIN: It can be important for investors to maintain discipline in their approach. A line of credit secured by an investment portfolio can be a valuable tool for addressing short-term needs while staying invested for the long term. Establishing a securities-based line of credit can come at no upfront cost, with interest-only payments required on outstanding amounts. By leveraging these options, investors can maintain their investment strategies, strategically capture yield and access necessary liquidity.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for avenues for accessing strategic liquidity solutions, you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with a J.P. Morgan advisor today to learn what strategies might be available to you and how they may benefit your long-term wealth planning.
Invest your way
Not working with us yet? Find a J.P. Morgan Advisor or explore ways to invest online.
Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management Banking & Liquidity
Managing Director, Head of J.P. Morgan Wealth Management Lending
