Crisis of the Day

CRISIS OF THE DAY

In periods of market volatility like now, the financial media often amplify the perceived significance of an event and its expected impact on the financial markets. Investors should not let the crisis of the day affect their long-term strategy and sentiment. Consider a few points that can help you keep the headlines in context.

 

1. The world has observed many previous crises, but capital markets have rewarded        disciplined investors.

Major events around the world may have an influence on stock prices. But it is difficult to predict when these events will occur or how they will impact markets. What we observe from previous crises is that stock markets usually rebound.

 

2. You can never be sure how a single event will impact stock prices.

Many factors influence stock prices. Although major events and stock market movements may be related, it can be challenging to determine correlations. Also, after good or bad news, stock prices may not move in the direction that investors expect. It’s not enough to identify major events in advance, you also must accurately predict how markets will react.

 

3. Reacting to a crisis by leaving the market is just another form of market timing.

When investors move in or out of the market in response to an event, they are predicting when the market will have a positive or negative return. We believe markets incorporate all available information. Thus, once information related to the event is known by investors, prices have already adjusted.

In addition, if you flee the market after a major crisis, you must then decide when to return to stocks. In many cases, the decision to reinvest comes after a rebound has begun, resulting in missed opportunity. Moving in and out of the market can also incur additional costs and have potential tax implications for investors.

 

4. Dealing with the uncertainty associated with major events is one reason why        investors earn a return over time.

If there were no uncertainty regarding future events and the impact on stock prices, why would investors earn a return greater than the risk-free rate? While major events and their unknown impact on stock prices create uncertainty for investors, the uncertainty is a major reason why investors earn a return.

Investors are better prepared to apply discipline during a crisis if they have realistic expectations, take a long-term view of markets, and understand why some investments have higher expected returns.

 

5. Responding to the latest news and exiting the market may not alleviate anxiety.

Markets fluctuate daily in response to news and sometimes they experience significant declines. This can create anxiety for investors. However, exiting the market and then watching a subsequent rebound in stock prices can be just as unnerving. In this case, the stress of being in the market is replaced by the stress of being out of the market.

Also, the perceived significance of major events may not align with realized investment returns. Adjusting your portfolio frequently in response to negative news introduces stress in many ways, which can affect your overall investment experience.

 

6. Proper diversification, prudent investment management, and a goals-driven asset allocation can help investors endure a market downturn.

Stock prices fluctuate through time, and there will be periods when prices fall. However, a major event in one market may not affect stock prices in all markets—which is one reason to hold a globally diversified portfolio.

In addition, other asset classes, including fixed income, can help minimize the overall volatility and price impact on a total portfolio. Having an understandable strategy that accounts for market declines can help you look past daily news and focus on the long-term.

 

CONCLUSION

History has shown that the greatest investors in the world have a difficult time predicting the direction of the markets and the timing of those moves. The fact that so many professional investors are wrong on a consistent basis should be a clear signal that humility should be your default position when thinking about trying to outsmart the markets.

There are no perfect allocations or times to invest in higher growth assets other than cash. These things will only be known with the benefit of hindsight.

Work with an adviser to figure out an allocation that works for you and avoid guessing what will happen based on your feelings.

Next steps

If you have any questions/thoughts in relation to this article or would like more information, please contact Gordon Thoms or David Conte at Calibre Private Wealth Advisers on ph. (03) 9824 2777 or email us here.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature only and may not take into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs. Accordingly, the information should not be used, relied upon or treated as a substitute for personal financial advice. While all care has been taken in the preparation of this article, no warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly, neither Calibre Private Wealth Advisers, its employees or agents shall be liable for any loss (howsoever arising) with respect to decisions or actions taken as a result of you acting upon such information.

 

 

This advice may not be suitable to you because it contains general advice that has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal financial and tax/or legal advice prior to acting on this information. Before acquiring a financial product a person should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) relating to that product and consider the contents of the PDS before making a decision about whether to acquire the product. The material contained in this document is based on information received in good faith from sources within the market, and on our understanding of legislation and Government press releases at the date of publication, which are believed to be reliable and accurate. Opinions constitute our judgment at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither, the Licensee or any of the Oreana Group of companies, nor their employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy, nor accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Gordon Thoms and David Conte of Calibre Private Wealth Advisers are Authorised Representatives of Oreana Financial Services Limited ABN 91 607 515 122, an Australian Financial Services Licensee, Registered office at Level 7, 484 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004. This site is designed for Australian residents only. Nothing on this website is an offer or a solicitation of an offer to acquire any products or services, by any person or entity outside of Australia.

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