The Markets Are Down. Should You Panic? (Spoiler: No.)
Markets have taken a hit this week and a lot of people are rattled.
Global tensions are running high, with the latest round of tariffs announced by Donald Trump shaking investor confidence and pushing markets into retreat. From share prices to super balances, the volatility has left many Aussies feeling uneasy.
But here’s the reality: while headlines scream crisis, history whispers patience.
A Bit of Perspective
This isn’t the first time markets have faced disruption and it certainly won’t be the last.
The past century has tested markets with:
- The Great Depression’s economic collapse
- Two devastating World Wars
- Sudden oil shocks that paralysed economies
- Multiple recessions across decades
- The dot-com bubble’s spectacular burst
- The GFC’s financial system meltdown
- A global pandemic that halted the world
And guess what? Through all of that,… markets have always recovered. Not sometimes, ALWAYS.
This resilience defines long-term investing. It’s precisely why steady investors consistently outperform those attempting to jump in and out of turbulent markets.
Real People, Real Regret
During COVID, I witnessed financial decisions driven by fear play out in real-time.
Some clients panicked watching their super balances drop. They moved everything to cash, convinced they were “protecting” what remained until things settled.
Then markets rebounded with stunning speed.
Those who stayed invested? They not only recovered but often found themselves ahead within 12-18 months. Meanwhile, those who fled to cash locked in their losses missed the recovery rally, and remained paralysed, waiting for a “safe” reentry point that never felt quite right.
This stark contrast reveals an essential truth: successful investing depends as much on emotional discipline as market knowledge.
When Advisers Really Earn Their Keep
Anyone can feel confident about investing during bull markets.
But when headlines turn ominous and portfolios fluctuate wildly, that’s when genuine advice becomes invaluable.
As a financial adviser, my role isn’t only selecting investments. It’s helping you maintain conviction in your strategy when uncertainty clouds judgment.
I’m here to guide decisions anchored in your personal financial plan, not reactions to temporary market conditions. To reassure you that short-term volatility doesn’t derail long-term goals even when everything feels unstable.
So… What Should You Do?
If you’re feeling nervous, that’s okay. You’re human.
But before making any big moves (like switching to cash, changing your portfolio, or pulling the plug entirely), take a breath and speak to someone who knows your financial picture.
Often, the best move is no move at all. And sometimes, a small adjustment can go a long way.
Either way, fear shouldn’t be your strategy.
Markets bounce back. Make sure you’re there when they do.
If you want to talk it through, I’m here. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real, honest advice.
📩 dave@locwealth.com.au 📞 0466 562 562 🌐 www.locwealth.com.au