How to Deal with Market Volatility

Recent headlines have been dominated by economic policy and market fluctuations, sending shockwaves through the stock market. For investors, each new update seems to bring another round of volatility. While tariffs are the latest trigger for market volatility, the reality is that markets are always responding to something – from geopolitical events to inflation data to interest rate shifts – and the feeling these changes evoke are timeless: uncertainty.

For those decades from retirement

There’s nothing like a significant market downturn to remind you that investing involves risk. Market swings provide an opportunity to reassess the level of risk in your portfolio and determine whether you still think the amount is appropriate for your circumstances. The level of comfort you feel when the market moves up or down substantially is a good starting point on whether your portfolio fits your risk profile.

The longer you have to let your money work for you, the less concerned you should be about short-term market moves. Fluctuations in stocks are nothing new and historically markets have recovered from losses incurred during corrections or bear markets. By the time you’re ready to retire, it’s likely that a market downturn will only look like a bump in the road.

Market volatility can work to your benefit by tapping into the power of a strategy called dollar-cost averaging. Here’s an example of how it works: Say you invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of market conditions. When the market dips, you can purchase more shares. And when the market rises, you can purchase fewer. The goal is to end up with more shares, often purchased at an overall lower cost per share than if you had invested all the money at once. Then the shares have the potential to increase in value over time. This strategy is one example of how volatility may work in your favor if your investments move up or down in the short-term, while eventually recovering lost ground in the long-term. If you make regular contributions to a workplace retirement plan, IRA or other investments, you are likely already using this strategy. If not, consider this example as motivation to explore whether you can make consistent investing a goal for this year.

For those nearing retirement

Various parts of the market react to headlines and economic drivers differently. The recent spike in volatility is a reminder of how having a broadly diversified portfolio can help reduce your investment risk. How do you know if you’re properly diversified? The simplest answer is to check to see that your portfolio contains a mix of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, short-term cash investments, savings and other investing vehicles that consider your goals and comfort-level with risk. Ensure you understand how each asset or investment in your portfolio is helping you reach your financial goals. If you’re unsure or want a second opinion, consider consulting a financial advisor for guidance.

Protecting your portfolio from current or future market downturns becomes more important as you approach the day when you start living off your savings. Consider investing the money you plan to use for income in the first few years of retirement more conservatively in liquid vehicles that are easy to access. This can help you feel that you are prepared to handle upcoming expenses should the markets swing. It’s also important to remember that your retirement could last 20, 30 or even 40 years. Balance your need for protection with continuing to grow your nest egg. Assets you won’t need for some time could be more aggressively positioned. At a minimum, ensure your assets can keep on pace with rising inflation.

For those in retirement

Depending on how much money you have invested in stocks, your portfolio may lose value when the market dips. If market swings and the potential for a greater downturn make you nervous, revisit the amount of money you withdraw monthly to meet your expenses. As you review, the goal is to be assured that the amount you withdraw to meet the next year or two of expenses does not put your long-term financial security in jeopardy. If your base of assets is reduced, you may have to trim your withdrawal amount to assure you have a sustainable long-term income strategy.

For the long-term investor – which includes you as a retiree – volatility inequities can work in your favor. It’s possible that you will spend one to three decades in retirement, giving you time to withstand some market moves. At the same time, it's important to preserve your base of savings and not be overexposed to stock risk. Review your exposure in the context of your full financial plan to evaluate if you are taking the right amount of risk.

Regardless of where you are in your financial journey, market movement provides an opportunity to compare your investment strategy to your goals. There are steps you can take to feel more confident about your ability to retire when and how you want to.