Investment Insights: Focussing on Long Term Horizons
TIME IN THE MARKET, NOT TIMING THE MARKET
During this difficult time, fear and worry are understandable, particularly as the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak led to the biggest daily drop in the FTSE 100 since the financial crisis of 1987. Trying to second-guess the impact of events such as the coronavirus or the recent stock market volatility – or even attempting to make a bet on them – rarely pays off. Instead, investors who focus on long-term horizons – at least five to ten years – have historically fared much better.
We all have different objectives in life and need different strategies to help achieve them. Sensible diversification – owning a mix of assets, including shares, bonds and alternative investments such as property – can help protect investors over the long term. When one area of a portfolio underperforms, another part should provide important protection.
RISK TOLERANCE AND TIME HORIZON
If you have a well-diversified portfolio, then it’s more important than ever to stay the course. You have a strategy in place that reflects your risk tolerance and time horizon, so remain committed. This will help you navigate through periods of uncertainty when some investors are panicking or acting out of fear. Volatility is not all bad, as long as you are prepared to take advantage of the unique opportunities it brings.
In volatile markets, it is perfectly normal for investors to become nervous, question their investment approach and concentrate on the potential for short-term losses over their longer- term investment strategy. Be aware of the psychological effect this type of volatility has on you as an investor and resist the urge to be reactive.
PROPER DIVERSIFICATION AND PERSEVERANCE
It’s important to understand that this movement is not all bad for investors. Some commentators may talk about volatility as a detriment to markets and investors, but fail to discuss the opportunities that arise for investors during periods of market volatility.
No one knows how severe any market turbulence will be or what the markets will do next. It could be over quickly or become more protracted. However, no matter what lies ahead, proper diversification and perseverance over the long term are very important.
UPS AND DOWNS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF MARKET CONDITIONS
It’s likely that the coronavirus will continue to have an impact on markets over the coming months and even years. However, major events causing markets to fall, particularly in the short term, is something we’ve seen time and time again. And it doesn’t mean that markets won’t recover. History shows again and again that the ups and downs of different types of market conditions are part and parcel of investing.
The key is to remain calm when stock markets fall. Don’t panic. Don’t frantically sell. If you can avoid it, don’t even log into your investment account. At moments like this, the skills and experience of professional financial advisers come into their own. Not only do we have the experience of dealing with different types of market conditions, but we can also help to take the emotion out of your decisions.
WHAT NEXT FOR STOCK MARKETS?
Getting to grips with the fallout from the coronavirus
Understanding the interaction between volatility and returns is a fundamental part of being a good goal-based investor. This is especially important at times such as now, when we’ve seen daily sizeable swings in market values as global markets try to get to grips with the fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
As you work towards your investing goals – whether that’s planning for retirement, funding your children’s education or making a large purchase – it is important to understand the relationship between the two and find a balance that works for you.
If the financial markets have taught us anything over the long term, it is that upward markets are often followed by corresponding downward markets, and vice versa. It’s called ‘volatility’, and it always has been, and always will be, the pulse of the market.
1. Down markets may present buying opportunities
Market swings are common and can be unnerving, but down markets may present buying opportunities. Buying while prices are low may allow investors to reap the rewards later.
2. Manage volatility through effective management and planning
The keys to weathering market volatility include maintaining realistic return expectations, taking a long-term investment approach, avoiding market timing, and diversifying your assets.
3. Maintain a focus on long-term goals
By learning how to navigate the ups and downs of the market, you can put market volatility into better perspective to help remain focused on your long-term goals.
LIFE’S FULL OF SURPRISES
Whatever your level of confidence, we could help you make better-informed investment decisions. If you would like to find out more or require any further information, please contact us.
Who are Vizion Wealth?
Our approach to financial planning is simple, our clients are our number one priority and we ensure all our advice, strategies and services are tailored to the specific individual to best meet their longer term financial goals and aspirations. We understand that everyone is unique. We understand that wealth means different things to different people and each client will require a different strategy to build wealth, use and enjoy it during their lifetimes and to protect it for family and loved ones in the future.
All of us at Vizion Wealth are committed to our client’s financial success and would like to have an opportunity to review your individual wealth goals. To find out more, get in touch with us – we very much look forward to hearing from you.
DISCLAIMER:
INFORMATION IS BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF TAXATION LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS. ANY LEVELS AND BASES, OF AND RELIEFS FROM TAXATION, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
A PENSION IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT.
THE FUND VALUE MAY FLUCTUATE AND CAN GO DOWN, WHICH WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE LEVEL OF PENSION BENEFITS AVAILABLE.
PENSIONS ARE NOT NORMALLY ACCESSIBLE UNTIL AGE 55. YOUR PENSION INCOME COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED BY INTEREST RATES AT THE TIME YOU TAKE YOUR BENEFITS. THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF PENSION WITHDRAWALS
WILL BE BASED ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, TAX LEGISLATION AND REGULATION, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE FUTURE.
THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS AND INCOME FROM THEM MAY GO DOWN. YOU MAY NOT GET BACK THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A RELIABLE INDICATOR OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
“The information contained in this article is intended solely for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained on this article has been obtained from reliable sources, Vizion Wealth is not responsible for any errors or omissions. In no event will Vizion Wealth be liable to the reader or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information provided in this article”.
