Investing Through the Crisis…
Obviously, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has spooked global financial markets and oil prices. We’ve seen stock markets around the world fall and oil prices are up but it’s not the 1st time Russia has stirred panic in the markets.
In 2014, Russia’s invasion and annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea sent shockwaves through global markets, but as always, with geopolitical flare-ups, the volatility was quickly subdued.
That’s not to suggest the threat of 2014 the same as now, with over 130,000 Russian troops engaged, however, the reality is that the market turbulence in the markets amidst global events is nothing new.
I thought you might find the chart below a source of some comfort. It shows the last 10 decades of bull markets (when things are going up) and bear markets (when things are going down):
Let’s think about what’s happened during this time:
Countless wars and conflicts across the world.
Financial crises (bubbles bursting, markets collapsing, bank irresponsibility, etc.)
Terrorist attacks.
Global health pandemics.
Anything else I’ve missed?!
It’s amazing to thing we’re still here! With every ‘unprecedented’ event, markets react, usually badly. It’s normal and happens EVERY time.
One of the key things to notice from the chart is the recovery after the event. Can you see how quick (relatively) and steep the recoveries are?
I’m not saying you shouldn’t be worried. You only have to switch the news on to see that we’re in a serious situation but I am saying that you (and your money) have been through plenty of uncertain times before and you’re both still here... with more money than you started with!
A lot of people ask me what they should hold in their investments or pensions. Should it be stocks & shares, bonds, cash, property, etc. These are all important but, to me, the most important thing to hold is your nerve! I know that sounds a bit pithy but I really do mean it.
Most investors’ money is lost when they draw out their hard-earned cash at times when markets are down, only to go back in when markets have recovered. Whilst this is natural behaviour, is also a sure-fire way to reduce your growth potential.
I’m here if you need me. Please do get in touch. Despite what I’ve said above, I know this is a scary time (for me as well – my money’s invested like yours!) and I respect that enormously. No concern you might have is too ‘silly’, I promise…