How is Market Volatility Affecting My Investments?

Money Bitches, it’s no secret that the stock market is a volatile place. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has seen more than its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, and it’s been enough to make even the most stalwart investors nervous. So what happens when the market takes a tumble? How does that affect our investments?

Let’s take a look at how market volatility can impact our portfolios, both in the short-term and long-term. We’ll also discuss some strategies for dealing with volatility, so that you can stay calm and focused during these turbulent times.

1. What is market volatility and why does it happen?

Market volatility is a term used to describe the fluctuations in the prices of securities. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including political instability, economic conditions, and natural disasters.

Why does market volatility happen? There can be many reasons, but some of the most common are:

1. Economic conditions: When the economy is doing well, stocks tend to go up. But when the economy is struggling, stocks tend to go down. This is because investors are more likely to sell their stocks when the economy is bad, driving the prices down further.

2. Political instability: Unstable governments can lead to wild swings in stock prices, as investors worry about what the future holds for their investments.

3. Natural disasters

2. How does market volatility affect our investments in the short-term and long-term?

When the market takes a tumble, it can be difficult to stay calm and focused on our investments. In the short-term, volatility can cause our portfolios to lose value, as investors sell their stocks en masse. This can be especially true for investors who are already nervous about the stock market, and may be more likely to sell when the market is down.

However, in the long-term, market volatility can actually be a good thing. By buying stocks when they’re cheap and selling them when they’re expensive, we can make a profit even in a volatile market. This is known as “buy low, sell high.”

3. What strategies can we use to deal with volatility in our portfolios?

There are a few strategies that we can use to deal with volatility in our portfolios:

1. Diversify: Diversifying our portfolio can help us minimize the impact of volatility on our investments. By investing in a variety of different securities, we can reduce our risk if one of them should lose value.

2. Stay calm and focused: When the market is volatile, it can be easy to get swept up in the emotion and panic. But by staying calm and focusing on our long-term goals, we can make better decisions about how to handle the volatility.

3. Ask for help: Just because you can manage your own investments online, doesn’t mean you should. Getting help from a qualified financial professional is a great way to ensure your investments are on the right path.

Summing Up Market Volatility

While market volatility may be causing some investors to experience short-term losses, it is important to remember that these fluctuations are a normal part of investing. Over the long term, history has shown that stock markets tend to rebound, so it is important not to panic and sell your stocks at a loss. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that market volatility can provide opportunities for investors who are willing to stay calm and patient. For example, if you have some cash saved up, you may want to consider using it to buy stocks when they are trading at a discount.

If you want to learn more about how to invest effectively, check out our Money Bitch Bootcamp! We have an entire section about how why you should invest and how you should start.

If you want personalized help, book a discovery call with us! We’d love to chat about your money goals and get you started on the right path.