Tuning Out the Media "Noise"
Investors are constantly bombarded with evocative headlines about their financial well-being and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the relentless stream of news about markets.
While today's hot button issues might be rising interest rates and inflation, these are not new concerns. In fact, a 1979 BusinessWeek article entitled "The Death of Equities" pronounced the stock market dead due to high inflation. As it turned out, the 1980s would be a tremendous decade for the US stock market. Unfortunately, even the most experienced investors are not immune from reacting emotionally to the fears and headlines surrounding us.
Below are more recent headlines that illustrate the boom and bust experienced between 1999-2009 - a period sometimes referred to as the "lost decade":
- May 1999: Dow Jones Industrial Average Closes Above 11,000 for the First Time
- March 2000: Nasdaq Stock Exchange Index Reaches an All-Time High of 5,048
- April 2000: In Less Than a Month, Nearly a Trillion Dollars of Stock Value Evaporates
- October 2002: Nasdaq Hits a Bear-Market Low of 1,114
- September 2005: Home Prices Post Record Gains
- September 2008: Lehman Files for Bankruptcy, Merrill Is Sold
While these events are now a decade or more behind us, they can still serve as an important reminder for investors today. For many, feelings of elation or despair can accompany headlines like these. We should remember that markets can be volatile and recognize that, in the moment, doing nothing may feel paralyzing. Throughout these ups and downs, however, if one had hypothetically invested $10,000 in US stocks in May 1999 and stayed invested, that investment would be worth approximately $28,000 today.
Growth of an invested dollar in the MSCI World Index, 1970–2013
THE VALUE OF A TRUSTED ADVISOR
Part of being able to avoid giving in to emotion during periods of uncertainty is having an appropriate asset allocation that is aligned with an investor’s willingness and ability to bear risk. It also helps to remember that if returns were guaranteed, you would not expect to earn a premium. Creating a portfolio investors are comfortable with, understanding that uncertainty is a part of investing, and sticking to a plan may ultimately lead to a better investment experience.
However, as with many aspects of life, we can all benefit from a bit of help in reaching our goals. The best athletes in the world work closely with a coach to increase their odds of winning, and many successful professionals rely on the assistance of a mentor or career coach to help them manage the obstacles that arise during a career. Why? They understand that the wisdom of an experienced professional, combined with the discipline to forge ahead during challenging times, can keep them on the right track. The right financial advisor can play this vital role for an investor. A financial advisor can provide the expertise, perspective, and encouragement to keep you focused on your destination and in your seat when it matters most. A recent survey conducted by Dimensional Fund Advisors found that, along with progress towards their goals, investors place a high value on the sense of security they receive from their relationship with a financial advisor.
Having a strong relationship with an advisor can help you be better prepared to live your life through the ups and downs of the market. That’s the value of discipline, perspective, and calm.
Learn more about how Longview Advisors can partner with you!