Planning Points: Tips on managing market volatility

Recently, market volatility has come front and center again on an everyday basis. News about the market has shifted more to a list of concerns and uncertainty as fears of a slowing economy, ongoing inflation, the political climate and overall world unrest have contributed to recent volatility.

As in life, uncertainty in the stock market is often the biggest cause for the emotional roller coaster. Stocks are down triple digits one day and up the same amount the next week — or possibly even the next day.

During theses times, watching the financial news can often create confusion, indecisiveness and, in extreme cases, panic. Hearing a different strategy from every angle on a daily basis only compounds these emotions. It is not surprising that some investors may feel uneasy and helpless.

Although the markets may be on a roller-coaster ride, ideally, investors’ emotions should not be on that same ride. Fortunately, through all of the market volatility we have seen, successful strategies still can help alleviate the ups and downs of typical investor emotions during hyperactive markets.

The process

Due diligence, diversification, and discipline while creating your wealth management plan are likely to lessen the fluctuation of your portfolio.

These traits, along with patience and an awareness of what is causing the volatility, can help decrease the emotional highs and lows for an investor.

This process can be done on your own or with the assistance of a financial advisor.

Be honest with yourself when developing a plan for all market conditions. Speak with your financial advisor and share your concerns, be realistic and, most importantly, be proactive in your investment decision making.

Prepare

Understand that with political pressures and global concerns, decisions can be made halfway across the world and cause a ripple effect in markets around the globe.

The perception of these decisions and how they may impact global economies can cause extreme volatility in the markets. Stock and bond prices often have knee-jerk reactions to these decisions and will be reflected in dramatic price changes.

Such changes can sometimes be extreme and, in many cases, become self-fulfilling for short periods of time. It is during these times that an understanding of what is causing the volatility can help an investor to stay on course with their plan.

So prepare yourself for market drops, do your best to understand the cause and don’t allow the market to dictate the timing of your financial decision-making process.

Fear and greed

All investors face both of these emotions at one time or another. It is how we manage these feelings that dictate the extremes of the emotional roller coaster.

They are difficult to completely eliminate when dealing with our money, but they can be managed.

The first step is to recognize when we are about to make a decision based on either the elation or discomfort they are causing.

The second step is to take a step back and evaluate if this decision is part of your established long-term goals and objectives. If so, then follow your plan. If not, try your best not to rationalize the decision and how it fits in under the exception rule.

Risk, return and comfort expectations can change for an investor over time, but typically it is not beneficial to make wholesale changes to your plan during a volatile period.

Do your homework — ahead of time

Doing your homework while creating a wealth management plan is not only important initially, but it is also necessary in order to capitalize on extreme moves in the marketplace.

Markets often overreact during these volatile times and having a well thought-out plan ahead of time will allow you to identify opportunities.

Historically, the markets have recovered from countless adversities. It is important to realize that fear in the marketplace is normal and, with hindsight, recognizing those times are sometimes opportunities in disguise.

While it may seem counterintuitive, market declines may present a chance for investors to take advantage of lower prices in assets that are compatible with their overall plan.

Support?

Volatile markets bring emotions to the surface.

It is during these emotional times that investors often find value in working with a professional to not only assist in creating a plan but being alongside them while facing market volatility. Having a professional in your corner during these times to help separate the emotions from your long-term plan and objectives can be beneficial.

Remember, you’re investing for tomorrow’s goals. By staying calm and sticking with sound investment strategies designed to help you achieve long-term goals, you’ll be able to more smoothly ride the wave of market volatility.

Pete Alepra is managing director-financial adviser with RBC Wealth Management. Comments: (319) 368-7023; peter.alepra@rbc.com. Investment and insurance products offered through RBC are not insured by the FDIC or any federal agency, are not deposits or guaranteed by a bank and are subject to investment risks.