By Aspire Advisors
The events of the past few months have been stressful and upsetting. The ongoing war in Ukraine has people across the globe anxious and concerned. It has brought devastating destruction to the Ukrainian people and it has triggered economic turmoil and uncertainty not witnessed over the past half-century.
Many of our clients (high-income earners and those with significant assets invested in the stock market) are nervous. We hear your concerns and want to remind you that staying in the market for the long haul is usually the best way to weather market volatility.
When market volatility has you worried, keep the following in mind:
Don’t Time the Market
First and foremost: Timing the market doesn’t work. There is no way to predict short-term fluctuations with enough accuracy to consistently make the right decision about when to buy and when to sell.
While it’s normal to be concerned when you see your investment values fall during uncertain times, pulling out of the markets entirely can often be the worst thing to do. When you do this, you risk locking in the new, lower value of your accounts, instead of letting them rebound. Keep in mind: Your investments may lose market value, but you don’t lose any money unless you sell when the value is low.
Similarly, investing money in a volatile market may sound like a bad idea, but investing is not about timing the market; it’s about time in the market. Over time, consistent investing can lead to growth. It’s hard to see when you’re looking at short-term fluctuations, but the long-term picture is usually one of upward growth.
Ride Out Uncertainty
Markets dislike uncertainty. And, currently, there is a significant amount of uncertainty: the coronavirus pandemic, inflation, interest rate hikes, and the war in Ukraine.
With so much uncertainty, volatility is at a high point. The VIX, or the market volatility index, has been consistently above average compared to last year’s numbers. As we get more information and geopolitical tensions decrease, it is likely that day-to-day market fluctuations will decrease.
It’s important to note that even if you enter the market at a “bad” time, with an appropriately allocated, well-diversified portfolio it is likely you will still do better over the long run if you stay invested versus keeping your money in cash (and subject to inflation). The uncertainties of the world shouldn’t force you to miss out on potential growth.
Stay Calm
When the market is behaving erratically, you—the investor—should remain calm. As much as possible, avoid selling from a place of panic. Acting emotionally can quickly turn a temporary loss into a permanent one. Instead, re-center your thinking and make level-headed decisions.
Historically, market downturns have generally been followed by market rebounds. If you’ve worked with a qualified financial advisor to develop an investment strategy, your plan should anticipate some market fluctuation and be tailored to your specific time horizon and risk tolerance.
Partner With a Professional
If you are still worried about stock market volatility, we are here for you. At Aspire Advisors, we understand how difficult it can be to stay invested when your assets are on the line. If you would like more information on our response to market volatility or if you would like to review your investment options, reach out to us to schedule a complimentary consultation by calling 877-760-3540 or emailing info@aspireadvisorsllc.com.
About Aspire Advisors
Aspire Advisors, LLC is an independent, fee-only financial advisory firm providing financial planning and investment management solutions for clients throughout Westchester County and the broader tri-state area. The Aspire team has a long track record of helping individual investors, nonprofits, hospitals, physicians, and healthcare executives. As a registered investment advisor, Aspire is a fiduciary and has a legal obligation to act in their clients’ best interests. To learn more about what it’s like to work with Aspire Advisors, visit aspireadvisorsllc.com.
This information represents the general views of Aspire Advisors and is presented for educational purposes only. This information should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investing in securities involves risk of loss. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.