Every month, our firm sends out a Reality Check to our clients. The topic varies month to month, but it typically covers various aspects of behavioral investment counseling and financial planning. On the heels of the recent volatility over the past week, we thought it would be useful to provide a few paragraphs from a commentary written by Brian Wesbury, an Economist at First Trust, that put a lot of the recent events into perspective. 

Regardless of what the financial media is stating as the cause of this pullback, i.e. Fed Rate Cute, China, Trade War, Current Administration, etc., you must understand that it is only temporary.  Following the herd and reacting to the volatility can do irreparable harm to your plan.  As Nick Murray says, repeat the following mantra: This time is not different. This too, shall pass. Of course, these moments can still be stressful and by no means should you ignore stress.

​​If you any questions about this topic or wish to receive our Reality Check emails, please contact us.

The image below provides an example of the importance of staying the course while investing. 

From this example, you can see the benefit of staying the course.  To do this on your own is easier said then done.  As behavioral investment counsellors, we help our clients by providing an objective perspective and addressing these emotions.

It is OK and frankly perfectly normal to feel these emotions, whether it be fear or greed; however, it is never OK to act on these emotions.

​If you would like to talk to one of our investment counsellors, please contact us.

​Weston Wellington, a Vice President at Dimensional, provides insight on the most recent volatility that occurred at the end of August. 

"​Financial professionals generally describe any decline of 10% or more from a previous peak as a “correction.” Should investors seek to protect themselves for further declines by selling, or should they consider it an opportunity to purchase stocks at more favorable prices? "

Click the image to download the PDF.