By Bryan Trugman, CFPⓇ
The events of the last few weeks in Ukraine have been stressful and upsetting to many of us. The buildup of Russian forces along the border, rising tensions, and the ensuing attack have caused worldwide shockwaves. People across the globe are understandably concerned and anxious.
What’s more, the events have caused economic volatility across the world, with Russia’s currency dropping to historic lows against the dollar and the Russian stock market issuing an emergency closure. (1) On February 24th, the European Stock Market Volatility Index, which measures the expectation of volatility over the next 30 days, neared a 20-year high. (2)
While hopes are high for talks aimed at deescalating the crisis, the financial implications may be considerable. Tough financial sanctions aimed at Russia could lead to an increase in retaliatory cyberattacks. In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, our economy is facing high inflation and continued uncertainty about COVID variants. Even with the DOW’s strong rally at the end of last week, the three major U.S. averages are on track for a loss of roughly 4% each for February. (3)
Financial Markets and Geopolitical Events
Events around the world can quickly shock financial markets, but the reality is that markets often tend to recover rather quickly from external shocks. In fact, since World War II, stock markets typically rebounded within 3 months of a large geopolitical shock. The average time for markets to rebound after major geopolitical shocks is around 47 days. (4) In fact, the U.S. stock market regained losses within 30 days of the September 11th attacks. (5)
Take a look at the following chart to see how stocks typically recover following geopolitical crises: (6)
What to Do During Market Declines
While market declines can be scary, especially for those within retirement, the reality is that these declines often create valuable opportunities. Short-term price drops for companies with excellent long-term value offer a great chance to invest or rebalance. Because markets are prone to quickly recover after geopolitical shocks, it’s critical not to sell during short-term downturns.
Stay Calm
While the current conflict is stressful to many, your long-term investment plan should not be a source of fear. At times like these, it’s important to put current conditions into perspective. This is not the first time the market has taken a tumble and it won’t be the last. Declines in the Dow Jones Industrial Average are actually fairly regular events. In fact, drops of 10% or more happen about once a year on average: (7)
Play Dead
There’s an old saying that the best thing to do when you meet a bear market is the same as if you were to meet a bear in the woods: play dead. While easier said than done, successful long-term investors know that it’s important to stay calm during a market decline.
Market volatility has increased in recent years and it may seem like each episode is worse than the one before. In reality, volatility does not hurt investors, but selling when the market is down will lock in losses.
Remember That Your Portfolio Is Diversified
Fears about war and market declines are stressful. However, it is important to keep in mind that while the stock market is down, your portfolio is made up of both stocks, bonds, and other assets that are designed to work together to decrease overall losses. It’s important to consider your specific portfolio, investment horizon, and circumstances when reflecting on economic events. If you have questions about your portfolio, get in touch with our office.
Review Your 401(k) and Other Accounts
Now is a good time to take a look at all of your investment accounts, including your 401(k) to make sure it is well diversified. If you have not rebalanced your other investment accounts in the last year, get in touch with our office and we’ll take a look and offer recommendations to minimize potential losses.
Speak With Your Advisor
Whether you’re new to investing or an experienced investor, it’s helpful to consult with an objective third party. Human nature causes us all to act out of emotion when our accounts go down. As an independent firm, we put your best interests first. We seek to serve as a support system for our clients, helping them make informed financial decisions that aren’t driven solely by emotion.
We’re Here for Your Friends and Family
If you have friends or family who need help with their investments, we are happy to offer a complimentary consultation. We can discuss what is appropriate for their immediate needs and long-term objectives. Sometimes simply speaking with a financial advisor may help investors feel more confident and less concerned with the day-to-day market activity.
About Bryan
Bryan Trugman is managing partner, co-founder, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at Attitude Financial Advisors. With more than 13 years of experience, Bryan specializes in addressing the financial needs of new parents as they seek to realign their finances, assisting divorced individuals as they navigate an unforeseen fork in the road, and strategizing with those seeking to accrue a dependable retirement nest egg. Bryan is known for being a good listener and building strong relationships with his clients so he can help them develop a customized financial plan based on what’s important to them. He is passionate about helping his clients experience financial confidence so they can worry less and play more. Bryan has a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering with a minor in mathematics from State University of New York at Binghamton. He has served on the board of the Financial Planning Association and continues to be actively involved in the national organization. He is also a member of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce and has served as its vice president and as a board member. When he’s not working, you can find Bryan on the ballroom dance floor or engaged in a fast-paced game of doubles on the tennis court. To learn more about Bryan, connect with him on LinkedIn. Or, watch his latest webinar on: How Much Is Enough? A Surprisingly Simple Way to Calculate Your Retirement Savings Needs.
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(1) https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/28/business/russia-ruble-banks-sanctions/index.html
(3) https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/22/stock-market-futures-open-to-close-news.html
(4) https://seekingalpha.com/article/4488660-how-stock-market-reacts-war-based-crash
(7) https://www.capitalgroup.com/individual/planning/market-fluctuations/past-market-declines.html
