Market Fluctuations
Russell Hathaway • 21 March 2020
Coming to terms with market turbulence
It is important to remember that some market turbulence is inevitable; markets will always move up and down. As an investor, putting any short-term fluctuations into historical context is useful. Investors with diversified portfolios, who stay in the market, have typically been rewarded over time.
Plan and focus, be strategic
Instead of being too worried by turbulence, the best strategy is to be prepared. It is best to stick to your well-defined plan and diversify your holdings, as well as expecting and accepting market movements. Your plan will be tailored to your objectives, in line with your attitude to risk and will take into account your financial situation, which will stand you in good stead to weather short-term market fluctuations.
In it for the long haul
Even though it can be difficult to ignore daily market movements, it is vital to focus on the long term, and remember that turbulence also presents investment opportunities. Investment requires a disciplined approach and a degree of holding your nerve if markets descend. Investment professionals know that markets can fluctuate and will inevitably go down as well as up from time to time. The worst investment strategy you can adopt is to jump in and out of the stock market, panic when prices fall and sell investments at the bottom of the market.
Keep calm and carry on
As Rudyard Kipling wrote, it is important to “keep your head when all about you are losing theirs” – a clear head will certainly stand you in good stead through these challenging times.
Market turbulence is a timely reminder to keep your investments under regular review – that is what we do best. Please rest assured we closely monitor fluctuations, so your money has the best chance of growing for the future.
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.
The BoE has raised interest rates meaning bigger mortgage bills for some homeowners.
It’s probably more than you think. Find out how they could help you here.
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