A shared independence: America 250

Happy July, friends.

I would be remiss to begin with anything other than a truly heartfelt and genuine “Happy Birthday” wish to my favorite uncle. As our country arrives at such a lofty milestone, I believe it presents a golden opportunity to recognize the significance of the accomplishment, reflect for a moment on how far the nation has come, and reset our perspectives as Americans, as humans, and as investors.

America 250

It is no secret that things feel a bit loud right now. You can’t turn on a screen or stream without seeing the divisiveness or hearing about what is "broken" in our country. But as we look around our own communities, we’re reminded of a simple truth: even on our most difficult days, we are living in the greatest nation on earth. There is a perspective we often lose in the noise—that America at its worst is still measurably better than almost any other place at its best. We have the privilege of building lives, families, and legacies here, and that is a gift we shouldn't take for granted.

Dissenting opinions are welcome, as they are the cornerstone of American democracy. But hard statistics are difficult to dispute, and the long-term data points to incredible structural resilience when you look at foundational metrics like our shifting demographics, expanding median income, and generational wealth creation.

American innovation continues to drive global progress and markets, in every sector from transportation to housing to health care. Moreover, access to American investment markets is a distinct privilege that should not be overlooked. Throughout modern history, it is responsible for the greatest wealth migration the world has ever seen, serving as the primary engine for achieving the American Dream.

It is vital that we continue to embrace the long-term power of the market and avoid the “doom trap” when approaching our investments. Reacting emotionally rarely produces desired outcomes. Your plan was developed rationally based on your specific needs, and it was built to withstand all types of macro economic seasons.

My celebration

The circumstances of life have provided me with a rare opportunity to slip away for a few weeks, and my wife, Laura, and I have chosen to spend those weeks on a cross-country road trip to celebrate America 250. Our journey has actually already begun! I won’t overshare all of the details, but the excursion includes plenty of baseball, museums, and national parks. The apex will be enjoying the Independence Day fireworks display on the national mall in Washington, D.C.

Aside from taking an overdue break from the day-to-day to recharge, I am using this time to reset my own perspective, all while crafting an itinerary that exudes the best of America. Ultimately, this trip is a powerful reminder of why we do this work in the first place. The real goal of a disciplined financial plan isn't just to see numbers grow on a spreadsheet; it's to buy back your time. It’s about earning the independence to step away, explore, and build unforgettable memories with the people who matter most.

American Enterprise versus the world

The global financial landscape is constantly shifting, but the historical data tells a clear story of American resilience and exceptionalism when compared across market capitalizations and international boundaries. Over multiple decades and distinct market cycles, U.S. markets have consistently demonstrated remarkable compounding power and institutional agility.

Market Index / Asset Class	10-Year Annualized Return¹	20-Year Annualized Return²	30-Year Annualized Return³	50-Year Annualized Return⁴
S&P 500 Index (US Large Cap)	14.8%	11.0%	10.4%	11.2%
S&P MidCap 400 Index (US Mid Cap)	11.5%	10.1%	11.5%	11.6%
Russell 2000 Index (US Small Cap)	9.8%	9.3%	9.6%	10.5%
MSCI EAFE Index (International Developed)	6.2%	5.9%	5.5%	7.2%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Developing)	4.5%	6.8%	6.1%	N/A*

*Note: The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was created in 1988; 50-year historical index data is unavailable.

Why the U.S. Consistently Leads

The structural advantages of the American marketplace are built on the very principles of liberty, property rights, and free enterprise that we celebrate this season:

• Unrivaled Corporate Earnings Growth: American companies excel at turning innovation into actual profitability. The exponential growth of the domestic technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors has left global competitors lagging behind.

• Institutional Depth and Capital Efficiency: The transparent legal framework and entrepreneurial culture in the U.S. attract the world's best talent, allowing capital to deploy rapidly to its most productive uses.

• The Strength of the Currency: The fundamental economic depth of the United States ensures that the U.S. dollar remains the global reserve currency, frequently acting as a performance tailwind for domestic assets during periods of international macroeconomic uncertainty.

The Road Ahead

Market leadership moves in cycles, and a robust investment strategy acknowledges that international assets can provide diversification benefits over specific horizons. However, history continuously reminds us that betting against American ingenuity is a historical miscalculation.

The same drive that built the gateways of the Midwest and the monuments of the East powers the companies in your portfolio today. Our goal at Force Acres remains focused on keeping you firmly anchored in strategies that harness this compounding engine, ensuring your financial plan remains as resilient as the economy supporting it.

With Gratitude

We know that our independence as a firm is only possible because of you.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in us over the last six years. To be invited into your homes, to hear your stories, and to help protect the "acres" you’ve worked so hard to cultivate is the highest honor of our professional lives. You aren't just clients on a spreadsheet; you are the reason we chose this path of independence in the first place.

As you gather with your families to celebrate 250 years of this great nation, we hope you find a moment of true peace and contentment. We are proud to be on this journey with you.

Stay cool out there, friends.

¹ *10-year annualized historical total returns for periods ending December 31, 2025.*

² *20-year annualized historical total returns for periods ending December 31, 2025, capturing major cycles including the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.*

³ *30-year annualized historical total returns for periods ending December 31, 2025, capturing the late-1990s expansion, the dot-com bubble, and subsequent recoveries.*

⁴ *50-year annualized historical total returns for periods ending December 31, 2025, tracking long-term generational asset compounding.*