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We’ve seen lots of recent commentary expressing concern about the dominance of the S&P 500 by just a handful of tech companies. Many investors are familiar with the FANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google). We consider the market cap weighting of the S&P 500 index to be a drawback, and one of the reasons we prefer the investment approach of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA). As of the end of June, the four largest companies in the S&P 500 (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook) represented 12.5% of the index. Conversely, the same four companies represented 8.7% of the DFA US Core Equity I fund, which we use as the main large cap fund for our clients.

It's no secret we live a great place, just ask Amazon and Apple. Two amazing projects are underway in our city that citizens should take time to notice and get involved; Dix Park and the Southeast Raleigh YMCA. I recently had the opportunity to tour both these sites and am sure these places will energize and enhance our community in different ways for decades to come.

It has become routine with virtually all retail purchases. I recently bought my son a $25 box fan at Target and was asked if I wanted "protection coverage" for it. I gave the clerk a quizzical look and asked, "For a fan?" She shrugged and answered, "we're required to ask for any appliance purchase."

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