The 2020s have been quite a challenge so far. Along with the pandemic – geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainty have created a volatile environment – making investing more unpredictable than ever. Social media and the 24-7 news cycle have helped fuel the uncertainty. Whether you’re worried about high inflation, higher taxes or lower economic growth, if you’re looking for bad news, you’ll find it soon enough.
While it’s easy to get caught up – and discouraged by – short-term noise, the reality is that successful investing requires patience and a long-term outlook. The secret to growing your wealth comes from staying disciplined and avoiding emotional decisions that can inadvertently push you off course.
How should you respond to challenging times?
Selling at the wrong time can be one of the biggest mistakes an investor makes, because markets tend to recover over time. Those who sell in a panic often miss out on the rebound, locking-in losses rather than giving their investments the chance to recover.
Your financial plan should be based on your long-term goals, and flexible enough to withstand market ups and downs. So, before making any changes, it’s worth pausing to assess your situation and staying focused on your long-term plans. And remember, you don’t have to make decisions on your own. We can help you make informed choices without being swayed by troubling headlines. In a world of upheaval and change, a steady, well-thought-out investment approach could well be your greatest asset.
Please note past performance may not be repeated in future. Future returns cannot be guaranteed.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.