The recent drops in the stock market can lead to a lot of questions and concerns about what investors should do. Considering the market has been on a historic run to continuous record highs and double-digit gains over the past year, it’s not entirely unexpected to experience a pullback.
At Franklin Templeton, we’ve been investing in global markets for more than 65 years, across bull and bear markets alike. We know that while volatility can be unnerving and confusing, it can also be a time of great opportunity for investors. Here, we share some thoughts and experiences of handling the highs and lows of financial markets to help you put the current market activity into perspective.
Even the most experienced investors can get spooked by heightened volatility in financial markets. When stock prices are tumbling, the urge to do something—anything—can be overwhelming. Our brochure, Five Things You Need to Know to Ride Out a Volatile Stock Market, provides a handful of strategies for investors who may be wondering how—or if—to respond to turmoil in the market. It includes some thoughts on resisting the urge to convert your investments to cash.
Our experience has shown us that selling is not always the most appropriate response to market turmoil.
Although short-term volatility swings can be difficult to stomach, we believe it’s important for long-term investors to persevere. While it may be tempting to pull out of the stock market, investors may miss out on a potential market rebound and opportunity for gains while they are on the sidelines, as this one-pager entitled The Case For Staying Invested illustrates.
In fact, there may be occasions when periods of heightened volatility present a good opportunity to think again about buying. We set out a number of reasons why investors may not want to sit on the sidelines during periods of turmoil in this short flyer entitled: Why Should I Invest in the Stock Market Now?
We think there’s no substitute for experience, especially when it comes to handling market volatility. In the history of investment management, there have been few individuals as revered as Sir John Templeton. He was well known for his many aphorisms on the subject of investment. Here’s a collection of some of his thoughts, called 16 Rules for Investment Success. We think Sir John’s reflections are as relevant today as when they were first published more than 20 years ago.
One thing we have learned over more than 65 years of global investing experience is that trying to predict market declines or rallies is not the path to long-term success. Much more important, in our view, is preparing for incipient shocks smartly and strategically.
Managing risk is, at the heart of our investing ethos. Our experience tells us that it is often during the most intense market turmoil that skilled investment managers get their chance to shine.
While volatile markets occasionally present a challenge for global investors, a knee-jerk reaction is rarely the best response. With careful consideration, the benefit of experience and an active approach, we believe periods of market turmoil can often be a time of great opportunity.
This information is intended for US residents only.
The comments, opinions and analyses provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered individual investment advice or recommendations to invest in any security or to adopt any investment strategy. Because market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as of the date of the posting and may change without notice. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region, market, industry, investment or strategy.
© Franklin Templeton Investments
© Franklin Templeton Investments
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