Stock Market Volatility – How to Stay Calm and Carry On During Turbulent Times

Market volatility is an integral component of investing, and while it may make investors anxious at times, it should not be seen as an unnecessary risk in the long term.

Staying calm during volatile markets requires having an investment plan with clear goals in mind and an extended time horizon.

1. Focus on the long-term

Market fluctuations can be unnerving, but investors must remember that market peaks and valleys are part of investing. History has proven that bull and bear markets rarely last forever, so investors should keep focused on long-term goals rather than making emotional decisions.

An effective investment plan provides clear goals, diversification and long-term perspective. Furthermore, media exposure during times of market instability should be kept under control as an overdose can lead to hasty decisions being made due to overexposure to news and speculation.

Review your portfolio regularly to make sure it aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and investment time horizon. This can help ensure you stay on track during turbulent markets while making informed investment decisions.

2. Don’t panic

Market volatility is an inevitable part of investing, providing investors with an opportunity to purchase stocks at discounted prices. Unfortunately, however, market turmoil often causes panicked reactions among those who perceive that their investment value has dropped rapidly – it should be remembered that investing is a long-term endeavor and your portfolio was constructed to accommodate periods of market fluctuation.

Understanding stock market trends and their causes is vital to making sound financial decisions during times of turmoil. Political uncertainty, economic changes and events affecting investor sentiment may all play a part in market volatility; for instance when oil prices increase the stock prices of companies who rely on that fuel may see increases.

3. Be patient

Market volatility is an integral component of investing. It may arise for several reasons, including external events, economic uncertainty and market speculation.

When markets become unpredictable, it can be easy to become panicked and make hasty decisions such as selling investments that are declining quickly or drastically altering your portfolio allocation. But if your financial plan has been designed with your goals in mind and risk tolerance in mind, then sticking with your course may be best.

Volatility serves as an effective measure of uncertainty and the risk associated with future stock price movements, usually measured using the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index or VIX. As it increases, investors become increasingly fearful of large stock price swings.

5. Have a plan in place

Significant uncertainty and turbulence can arise from both internal factors (like poor financial performance or M&A activity) as well as external forces like social media campaigns. Companies can better navigate turbulent times by clearly identifying drivers of disruption, quantifying their effects, adapting strategy accordingly, directing resources, communicating internally and externally, communicating internally/externally as well as positioning for long-term success and positioning for long-term success. By having a plan in place investors and consumers have confidence that the company is taking appropriate actions against any headwinds they encounter.