Tag: stock market

  • COVID-19 and The Market

    Historic market volatility has washed over the globe in recent weeks. The spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by coronavirus) has precipitated a record drop in the stock market and a sharp plunge in bond yields, sending the U.S. into its first bear market in over a decade. People around the world are facing a health crisis that’s driving an economic crisis, which are leading to high levels of anxiety for families and individuals regarding their well-being and financial situation. Unfortunately, it’s too soon to tell just how long this environment will last. So, what can you do to cope with market volatility in the meantime? And what can we learn from past global pandemics?

    Virus Outbreaks and Stock Market Performance

    There is no doubt that this pandemic is different and has caused a larger dislocation than past virus outbreaks. However, it’s still encouraging to note how financial markets have historically rallied following major health crises. The S&P 500® Index reveals that markets have generally delivered positive returns in the six to 12 months following the peak of a virus outbreak.

    This isn’t to say that investors should stick their heads in the sand and pretend the downturn isn’t happening — this is a very serious and difficult situation. Eventually though, markets should return to some level of normal and slowly, the economy will come back to life. Of course, the past is no guarantee of future results, but historically, even the worst markets have been temporary dips in a general march higher for stocks.

    What you can do during this time of volatility:

    ■ Remember the power of diversification:
    Instead of selling your stocks in an attempt to cut losses, review your portfolio to see if it is properly balanced between stocks, bonds and cash that align with your goals, time horizon and ability to manage risk. While a diversified portfolio can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can greatly reduce the impact of volatility.

    ■ Stay focused on your long-term goals:
    Remember, your investment strategy is based on your goals, not headlines. While it’s important to be aware of the news related to COVID-19, particularly from a health perspective, don’t let your emotions affect your investing. Keep your  portfolio on a steady course. Volatile periods in the market can create good opportunities to either invest more or to adjust your portfolio. Ensure that any investment decisions you make are in line with your long-term interests and financial objectives.

    ■ Revisit your views on risk:
    A significant market downturn serves to remind you that investing involves risk. Market swings provide an opportunity to reassess your portfolio’s risk level and determine whether that amount is appropriate for your circumstances. The level of comfort (or discomfort) you feel when the market fluctuates substantially is a good way to assess whether your portfolio reflects your current risk profile.

    ■ Meet with a financial professional:
    If you are concerned about the recent performance of the markets, contact your financial advisor. Together, you can talk about your financial goals for the future and what steps you can take next to start on the path to achieving them.

    MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
    1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
    Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ® is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 35 years. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise

    Financial Services Inc., a registered investment advisor.
    Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
    © 2020 Ameriprise Financial Inc. All rights reserved.

    Historic market volatility has washed over the globe in recent weeks. The spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by coronavirus) has precipitated a record drop in the stock market and a sharp plunge in bond yields, sending the U.S. into its first bear market in over a decade. People around the world are facing a…

  • Keep Stock Market in Perspective

    The stock market has enjoyed an extended period of strong performance that dates back to the end of the last bear market in early 2009. While stock market performance can be measured in myriad ways, it’s the Dow Jones Industrial Average that has surpassed several 1,000-point milestones so far in 2017: The Dow first topped the 20,000 mark on Jan. 25, before passing the 21,000 level just over a month later.

    Then in early August, it broke through the 22,000 mark. As August ended, the seemingly smooth sailing market rally hit a few bumps. While no one can predict the future, market strategists and analysts suggest that we could see some additional market volatility in the months ahead.

    How do investors keep all of this in perspective while trying to manage their portfolios? Here are three points to keep in mind as you follow the stock market:

    The real value of each underlying move in the Dow index diminishes as the market rises.

    While the Dow Jones average is often used to provide a general reading on the state of the market, the index includes the 30 largest company stocks. When the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbs higher, the actual impact of each change in its price is reduced. For example, when the Dow broke through the 2,000 barrier in January 1987, it marked a notable 100 percent increase from the 1,000 level first reached nearly 15 years earlier. By contrast, when the Dow moved 1,000 points to reach 22,000 between March and August of this year, it represented just a 4.5 percent increase.

    The same perspective applies to day-to-day market moves. The stock market makes headlines when the Dow Jones average moves up or down 100 points in a day. Twenty years ago, when the Dow stood at about 8,000, a 100-point move in the market represented a 1.25 percent change in value. Today, a 100-point move is equivalent to less than a half-percent change. In short, 100 points in the Dow Jones Industrial Average doesn’t mean what it used to.

    Markets can retreat from record levels.

    Just as stock markets can rise, history shows they can fall as well. In the spring of 1999, the index reached the 11,000 mark. It moved higher for a few more months before a severe bear market occurred. The Dow dropped to 7,286 in 2002 before returning to the 11,000 level in 2006. Similarly, the market topped 14,000 in 2007 just before the start of another severe bear market. It fell and did not reach that level again until early 2013.

    No one can guarantee what will happen to stocks over the next week, month or year. Stock markets are unpredictable in the short-term, as fluctuations are part of the market’s behavior over time. Price swings are a reality for stock investors, but over time, stocks historically have recovered.

    Indexes may not represent your portfolio.

    While indexes often generate headlines, their performance may not be reflective of your own portfolio. Emotions run high when there are market swings, but don’t let fear get the best of you. Stock market swings can act as a reminder to review your financial position, making sure that your asset mix matches your long-term goals. The most important factors of your investment success are your goals, the time you have to invest, your risk tolerance and your commitment to save.

    Reacting to the stock market or speculation about events that may happen in the future might make for interesting dinner conversation, but remember that it’s not a proven investing strategy.

    If you need financial planning help, consider working with a financial advisor you trust.

    MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
    1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu HI 96814

    808-952-1222, ext. 1240  |  michael.w.yee@ampf.com

    Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, is a Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 30 years.

    Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.

    Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

    ©2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File #1875690

    The stock market has enjoyed an extended period of strong performance that dates back to the end of the last bear market in early 2009. While stock market performance can be measured in myriad ways, it’s the Dow Jones Industrial Average that has surpassed several 1,000-point milestones so far in 2017: The Dow first topped…