Navigating the Market Downturn: A Note to Our Clients
If the recent market turbulence has you feeling unsettled, you’re not alone. Whether you’re retired, still saving, or somewhere in between, it’s natural to feel the urge to “do something.” But moments like these are precisely why your portfolio was built with care and foresight.
Here’s how we’re thinking about this moment—and how you can, too:
For Retirees and Near-Retirees:
Your portfolio includes years’ worth of conservative fixed income—intentionally. That cushion is what allows you to ride through downturns without needing to change your lifestyle or your plan. Stability was built in for exactly this reason.
For Accumulators (Still Saving):
If you’re still in growth mode, volatility has a silver lining. Down markets give you the chance to buy great businesses at lower prices—essentially investing in your future at a discount. It may not feel good in the moment, but it’s a long-term gift.
Understanding Volatility:
Markets rise over time—that’s the first truth. The second? They often fall along the way. Since 1990, the market has averaged a 10.5% annual return. But within each of those years, the average drop was 14%. Roughly every five years, we’ve seen a drop twice that size. This week isn’t a surprise—it’s part of the journey.
Why This Drop Feels Different:
This downturn stings because it’s policy-driven—our leaders’ decisions caused global turbulence. That makes it feel personal, even avoidable. But it’s not evidence that the system is broken. In fact, it’s proof that capitalism endures.
The Market Is Resilient:
Time and again, companies adapt. They grow earnings, find new efficiencies, and create value through war, recessions, political turmoil, and global crises. Your portfolio isn’t built for perfection—it’s built for reality and for the long arc of progress.
Our Approach:
You’ll never hear us say, “It’s time to go to cash.” That’s not a strategy—it’s a reaction. Our philosophy is rooted in evidence, patience, and discipline. It’s why we stay the course and take the long view.
As always, we’re here if you want to talk.