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Economic downturns and turbulent investment markets can make people nervous. Recognize these events as a normal, although undesirable, part of the economic and investment cycles. With that in mind, the following are some tips for investors during unpredictable times.
Don’t panic. Some people may be tempted to bail out of their stock investments if markets are having a particularly rough ride. Selling solely because the stock market tumbles may be the worst thing to do.
Stay invested. If you’re investing for a long-term goal — such as a retirement that begins in another decade or more and could last two or three decades — you’ll have plenty of time to ride out market cycles. As the table below shows, missing some of the best days in the market can significantly reduce your gains over the years. An investor who stayed fully invested over the past 15 years would have earned $19,215 more than someone who missed the market’s 10 best days.
Missing the Best Days in the Market Substantially Reduced Returns
$10,000 invested in the S&P 500
December 31, 2007 - December 31, 2022
S&P 500 Annualized Total Returns
Growth of $10,000
All trading days
8.81%
$35,461
Minus 10 best days
3.29%
$16,246
Minus 20 best days
0.17%
$9,748
Minus 30 best days
-2.93%
$6,399
Minus 40 best days
-5.32%
$4,401
As of 12/31/2022. Source: Putnam Investments and Kmotion Research. This example is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of the performance of any investment. It does not reflect the impact of taxes, management fees, or sales charges. The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) is a weighted, unmanaged index composed of 500 stocks believed to be a broad indicator of stock price movements. Investors cannot buy or invest directly in market indexes or averages. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
If the stock market posted gains and losses every other year, imagine what you would lose by selling after a dip. Where would you put your money? A money market account has an average return of less than 1% over the last 15 years, but, that won’t even keep up with the average rate of inflation of 2.3% over the same period of time.
Keep a long-term perspective. It’s easiest to stay the course if you focus on your major life goals and not on the market’s day-to-day or month-to-month movements. Look at your quarterly account statements, stay on top of major current financial events, and plan to do a thorough review of your investments — asset allocation, investment performance and progress towards your goals — once a year.
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Dollar cost average. One of the most effective approaches to investing is dollar cost averaging. You simply commit to investing the same dollar amount on a regular basis. When the price of shares in a stock or investment portfolio rises, you’ll buy fewer shares, and when the price dips, you’ll buy more.1
Maintain a diversified portfolio. Diversification seeks to lower your risk because historically not all parts of the market move in the same direction at the same time. Losses in one area may be balanced out by gains elsewhere.2
Know your risk tolerance. If you find stock investments to be too risky for your taste — for example, if you can’t sleep at night because you’re worrying about your stocks, — maybe you should consider a less volatile ride.
Make thoughtful moves. If you make changes to your investments, do so in a thoughtful way, and after careful consideration. Talking with a financial professional could be a good first move.
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1Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuation in price levels of such securities. An investor should consider their ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.
2There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor that is not anLPL Financial affiliate, please note LPL Financial makes no representation with
respect to such entity.
This material is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.
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