There is no doubt that the pandemic and invasion of Ukraine has resulted in market volatility. Economic and geopolitical events always prompt investors to question whether now is a good time to invest or to remain invested.
It is important to remember that some market volatility is inevitable; markets will always move up and down. As an investor, putting any short-term market volatility into historical context is useful.
This chart of the FTSE 100 since inception, details a series of significant events over the last 35 years or so. Despite a variety of market shocks and rebounds, the index still has a long-term growth trend.
The bigger picture
Many investors are getting used to a variety of political, financial and economic factors and learning to look through the ‘noise’ to focus on what really matters. Portfolio diversity holds the key to approaching your investments and managing risk.
It is important to think about longer-term timescales instead of focusing too intently on short-term events and market fluctuations.
Adopting the longer-term view
Investment requires a disciplined approach and a degree of holding your nerve if markets fall. Experienced long-term investors know that 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.
Finding the right balance
However concerning market fluctuations may be, it’s important to remember that we have jointly worked hard to formulate a financial plan which is in line with your personal requirements.
Diversifying your portfolio
Successfully achieving your long-term investment goals requires balancing risk and reward. By selecting a broad range of assets in line with your attitude to risk, objectives and time horizon, diversification aims to provide the potential to improve returns for your elected level of risk.
Communication is key
As an investor, you have to decide how much risk is right for you. While the process of building a portfolio will incorporate strategies designed to help reduce risk, it cannot be eliminated altogether.
We also need to make sure that we are aware of any changes in your objectives or circumstances. And, of course, you should remember that volatility also creates opportunities for investors.
The right strategy
Financial advice and regular reviews are essential to help position your portfolio in line with your objectives and attitude to risk, and to develop a well-defined investment plan, tailored to your objectives and risk profile.
Financial advice is obviously key, so please don’t hesitate to get in contact with any questions or concerns you may have.
Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored advice and is for information purposes only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on individual circumstances. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.