Keeping Cool: Investment Strategy vs. Reaction

During difficult times, it’s important to tune out the noise. The media generates news 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can check the market and access the news anywhere you carry a mobile device. This barrage of information might make you feel that you should buy or sell investments in response to the latest news, whether it's a market drop or an unexpected geopolitical event. This is a natural response, but it's not wise to react emotionally to market swings or to news that you think might affect the market.

Stay the Course

Consider this advice from John Bogle, famed investor and mutual fund industry pioneer: "Stay the course. Regardless of what happens to the markets, stick to your investment program. Changing your strategy at the wrong time can be the single most devastating mistake you can make as an investor."1This doesn't mean you should never buy or sell investments. However, the investments you buy and sell should be based on a sound strategy appropriate for your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time frame. And a sound investment strategy should carry you through market ups and downs. It can be tough to keep cool when you see the market dropping or to control your exuberance when you see it shooting upward. But overreacting to market movements or trying to "time the market" by guessing at future direction may create additional risk that could negatively affect your long-term portfolio performance. All investments are subject to market fluctuation, risk, and loss of principal. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. U.S. Treasury securities are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. If not held to maturity, they could be worth more or less than the original amount paid. 

Long-Term Commitment 

"Time in the market" is generally more effective than trying to time the market. An investor who remained fully invested in the U.S. stock market over the past 30 years would have received almost triple the return of an investor who missed the best 12 months of market performance.

If you have questions about your investment strategy, consider talking with a financial advisor. At OUCU Financial Services*, our CFS Financial Advisors use a simple yet methodical approach to help you reach your goals. An initial consultation comes without obligation or cost. You can schedule your phone appointment or virtual meeting here. 

Source: Refinitiv, 2020, S&P 500 Composite Total Return Index for the period 12/31/1989 to 12/31/2019. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged group of securities that is considered to be representative of the U.S. stock market in general. The performance of an unmanaged index is not indicative of the performance of any specific investment. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. This hypothetical example is used for illustrative purposes only and does not consider the impact of taxes, investment fees, or expenses. Rates of return will vary over time, particularly for long-term investments. Actual results will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
1MarketWatch, June 6, 2017
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