There’s no doubt hyperbolic headlines depicting the recent falls on the world’s financial markets are potentially anxiety-inducing. With the FTSE 100 Index falling to its lowest level since April 2017, the effect of the headlines is to promote a sense of uneasiness; we’re here to remind you that this shouldn’t be the case.
Instead of reacting to the volatile nature of the markets (or the sensationalist headlines) with panic or knee jerk decisions, we recommend standing back, observing the bigger picture and taking a calm and considered approach.
Rarely, if ever, should short-term stock market volatility cause you to change your long-term financial plan. Especially if your goals and aspirations remain unchanged.
It’s vital that investors remember the fundamental principles of investing:
- Over the long-term, investors have enjoyed attractive real-returns from the world’s stock markets. That’s not something we’ve not been able to say about deposit accounts for many years, which currently guarantee a real-terms loss
- Volatility, as we have seen over the past 48 hours or so, is to be expected from time to time. Even when the world’s economies are fundamentally strong as they currently are
- Trying to time the market; looking for the optimal moment to invest or withdraw capital is proven to be almost impossible
Now is the time for calm heads and clear thinking, with a focus on the long-term. Deviating from your chosen course is not what any adviser should be recommending.
However, it’s only natural that you may have some concerns, if you do please contact us.
In the meantime, stay calm, stand back from the panic-inducing headlines, and remember the fundamental principles of investing.