What to Do in a Market Downturn

A Cycle of Peaks and Valleys

Investors who actively participated in the stock market following the Great Recession of 2007-09 were fortunate to experience the longest-running bull market in history, the 11 years from March 9, 2009, through March 11, 2020.¹

Unfortunately, throughout history, and as evidenced by the COVID-19 recession that ended the most recent bull market, bull runs always end at some point.² The stock market itself has a natural life cycle that — like life itself — is destined to encounter peaks and valleys. Those scenarios frequently are preceded by events that impact market fundamentals or economic events, such as:

• Changes in interest rates

• New international trade negotiations, treaties and tariffs

• Fluctuating levels in the national debt

• Political controversies that impact national policies

• Global events that threaten economic stability

• Dramatic news headlines that shape investor sentiment

While each of these issues, and certainly all of them combined, generate cause for concern, it’s important to remember that we have been in similar circumstances before; we will be there again; and in between, we will experience more periods of economic and investment prosperity.

Basically, what this all means is that market corrections and even extended bear markets are all normal parts of the investment market life cycle. For reference:³

• A “market correction” is a decline of 10% or more

• A “bear market” is a decline of 20% or more

It is critical for investors to remember that what goes up inevitably comes down — at least where investment markets are concerned. Fluctuations are normal, and a decline in share prices offers the opportunity for investors to engage in a time-tested method for achieving more gains from well-established growth companies: buy low and sell high.

If companies — even steady, consistent growth performers — do not have the opportunity to reset prices, then investors would always have to buy at top-of-market prices to expand their position. However, when share prices drop, this is a window of opportunity to increase holdings in a reliable performer.

Another thing worth noting is that market corrections and bear markets are historically common, regular and generally short term. In fact, despite periods of market corrections and bear markets, the S&P 500 posted an average annualized total return of approximately 10% over the past 90 years.

Don’t Do Anything Drastic

If you’re not interested in buying more shares during a market decline, then the key may be simply to hold fast. Focus on other elements of your financial plan that you can control, such as paying down debt or purchasing a life insurance policy to help provide long-term financial protection for your loved ones.

It is crucial to remember that investing is a long-term endeavor. The goal should be less about outperforming indexes and more about giving an investment uninterrupted time in the market — time to experience periods of rising prices and time to recover from periods of declining prices. After all, even short periods out of the market can have a substantial impact on investment returns.

Follow Your Plan: This Is Why You Have It

One of the most important ways to help investors weather a down market is to have a financial plan already in place. There are many reasons for this. Establishing specific financial goals, a timeline for reaching those goals, an asset allocation strategy and a carefully constructed portfolio are all significant components of a financial plan.

However, a 2017 study by Sun Life Financial revealed more emotion-based benefits:⁵

• 63% of respondents agreed that they worry less about money because they have a financial plan.

• 73% believe that financial planning has helped give them greater peace of mind.

• People with a financial plan are two times more likely to be confident in their plans to retire.

Some reasons people avoid consulting with a professional financial advisor to develop a plan are they don’t think they have enough assets to warrant a formal plan, they may believe they have a good grasp of their finances and/or they think it will be expensive or way too complicated.

However, setting aside all of those concerns, if you could achieve greater confidence in your investment strategy during a down market, that alone may be worth it to have a financial plan. If you don’t have a financial plan, or even if you do but you’re feeling distressed over the current market environment, consult with a financial advisor. These professionals have day-to-day experience working in investment markets and can share insights that may help you get through periods of uncertainty.

General Guidelines for Down Market Moves

The garden-variety wisdom is generally to hunker down and maintain a long-term perspective when it comes to weathering a correction or bear market. However, with that said, there are some proactive things investors can do to help reinforce their financial position and mindset.

The following are some common recommendations.

Dollar-cost averaging

Investing the same amount of money on a regular basis can help smooth out the impact of fluctuating prices. With this tactic, called dollar-cost averaging, more shares are purchased at lower prices and fewer shares are purchased at higher prices. Over time, the investor pays less, on average, per share. However, be aware that regular investing doesn’t ensure a profit or protect against loss, and you need to consider whether you’re willing to continue investing when share prices are falling.

Diversify more

By spreading your money across a wider range of asset classes and sectors, you may be able to help reduce the impact of a market decline.

Consider a target-date fund

This type of fund comprises a mix of underlying stock and bond funds that gradually transfer to a more conservative allocation as the fund’s target date grows closer. Since the fund automatically adjusts to your established time frame, you can be less involved — and perhaps less stressed.

Consider your risk tolerance in relation to your goals

When it comes to investing, higher-risk holdings generally offer the potential for higher returns. The younger the investor, the more time he or she has to recoup any losses incurred through higher-risk investments. As investors grow older, they tend to be more conservative because they have less time to recover from market losses. However, much depends on how close you are to meeting your financial goals. Some individuals who are not well prepared for retirement may be willing to trade higher risk for the opportunity to accumulate more assets over a shorter period of time.

This is a scenario in which it is important to get advice from an experienced financial advisor. He or she can determine an appropriate mix of investments to help meet an investor’s objectives without taking on undue risk.

Takeaway: Should a Down Market Affect You?

Once you’ve considered all the variables, you may reach the conclusion shared by many of the most successful investors and market commentators — that down markets are not necessarily negative events. While they can be unnerving, it’s not always prudent to make changes to your portfolio.

A financial advisor can help walk you through the potential “what if” scenarios of a bear market or correction to help determine an appropriate investment strategy for your circumstances. For example, the closer you get to (or if you’re in) retirement, the more impact timing of negative returns can have on your long-term financial goals. Factors such as future inflation and unknowable tax legislation also can impact your portfolio.

Financial advisors have experience working with these variables and helping clients both prepare for and weather down market cycles. If you have concerns or questions about the current market environment, contact your advisor.

¹ Aimee Picchi. CBSNews.com. March 12, 2020. “The 11-year bull market is dead. Here’s what a bear market means.” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dow-jones-bear-market-level-the-11-year-bull-market-is-ending-heres-what-a-bear-market-means/. Accessed Sept. 1, 2020.

² Scott Horsley. NPR. June 8, 2020. “It’s Official: U.S. Economy Is In A Recession.” https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-up-dates/2020/06/08/872336272/its-official-scorekeepers-say-u-s-economy-is-in-a-recession. Accessed Sept. 1, 2020.

³ Yardeni Research Inc. March 23, 2020. “Stock Market Briefing: S&P 500 Bull and Bear Market Tables.” https://www.yardeni.com/pub/sp500corrbeartables.pdf. Accessed Sept. 1, 2020.

⁴ J.B. Maverick. Investopedia. Feb. 19, 2020. “What is the average annual return for the S&P 500?” https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042415/what-average-annual-return-sp-500.asp. Sept. 1, 2020

⁵ Sun Life Financial. 2017. “Empowering Employees to Improve Their Financial Wellness.” https://www.sunlife.ca/static/canada/Sponsor/About%20Group%20Benefits/Group%20benefits%20products%20and%20services/The%20Conversation/Bright%20Papers/files/GB10304E.pdf. Accessed Sept. 1, 2020.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as the basis for financial decisions. We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Insurance and annuity product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Our firm is not permitted to offer tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about their personal situation.

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. MAS and E.A. Buck Financial Services are not affiliated entities. AEWM and E.A. Buck Financial Services are not affiliated entities. 00821302 – 2/21 Content prepared by Advisors Excel (415297)

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