TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- We've seen the stock market go up and down, and when something is so unpredictable how do you know when to invest? Or how to keep your investments safe?
Financial advisor Stacy Bush joined us on WTXL Midday with some expert advice.
Bush says there are several level-headed strategies when it comes to handling volatile markets. Here's what he recommends:
1. Stop listening to the noise.
Turn off the television, throw away the business section, and stay off of financial websites. Hanging on every word the talking heads say will only add to your stress and encourage emotional decision making. One of the major reasons why you work with a team of trusted professionals is so that you can delegate the worrying to us. We’ll keep you informed.
2. Stay focused on the big picture.
Ask yourself: how long is my investment horizon? If you are invested for 10, 20, 30 years or more, volatility that lasts days, weeks, or even months shouldn’t affect your long-term strategies. Though we can’t use the past to predict the future, the S&P 500 has delivered average annual performance of 11.41% since 1928. Keep in mind that those years include the Great Depression, during which stocks lost 83%, the bear market of 1987 when stocks lost 33.5%, and the financial crisis when the S&P 500 dropped 57% before gaining 202% over the next six years.
3. Don’t be tempted by emotion.
Volatility makes for stressful investing and it can be tempting to bail when stocks fall and ride out the bad times. Unfortunately, trying to time when to exit or enter markets is very difficult and not likely to work out in your favor. Research shows that investors are notoriously terrible at predicting market tops and bottoms. Corrections happen regularly and periods of high growth often occur close to major pullbacks. If you’re not in the market when it rallies, you may miss out on the best days of performance.
4. Stay flexible.
Thriving during volatility doesn’t mean sitting passively by. One of the benefits of an active, flexible investing style is that we can make strategic shifts to take advantage of new opportunities that arise. As professionals, we are always looking for prudent opportunities to help our clients pursue their goals in changing market environments.
Bush has practiced independent financial advising in the Valdosta area for 14 years. You can send in any questions to askstacybush@lpl.com
You can also follow Bush Wealth Management online or on Facebook.
