Staying Cool Under Pressure

Six Strategies for Dealing With Market Volatility

When the market’s temperature keeps changing, it’s easy to feel the heat — or as if you’ve been left out in the cold. Your workplace retirement plan can withstand these swings if you know how to keep your cool. Here are some smart strategies to help your retirement savings thrive despite unpredictable financial climates.

 

1.      Don’t Let the Heat Get to You

Market drops can make you sweat, but pulling your money out during a downturn locks in losses. Historically, markets bounce back over time. Instead of reacting emotionally, stick to your long-term strategy and ride out the fluctuations.

2.      Keep Your Portfolio Well-Balanced

A stable retirement plan is like a well-regulated thermostat — balanced and consistent. Diversifying your investments across asset classes like stocks, bonds and cash equivalents helps reduce risk and smooth out the impact of volatile markets. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track.

3.      Stay Invested During Cold Spells

When the market cools off, don’t freeze your contributions. Continuing to invest during downturns means you’re buying shares at lower prices, setting yourself up for potentially greater growth when the market warms up again.

4.      Don’t Get Burned by Market Timing

Trying to guess what market will do is nearly impossible. Therefore, it’s important to stay disciplined by making consistent contributions and avoiding rash decisions based on short-term movements. Missing even a few of the market’s hottest days can seriously dampen your long-term returns.

 Keeping your cool during market volatility takes patience and strategy. Stay calm, keep con-tributing, and stick with your long-term goals.

 

5.      Adjust Your Risk as You Approach Retirement

As you get closer to retirement, consider dialing down an appropriate amount of risk to help preserve your savings. Gradually shifting to more conservative investments can help protect your nest egg from sudden market chills.

6.      Consult With a Market Climate Specialist

When the financial climate leaves you feeling uncertain, an experienced advisor can help you put things in perspective and maintain a steady investment strategy. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Informational Sources: Capital Group: “Strategies for Dealing With Market Volatility” (accessed March 17, 2025); Franklin Templeton: “How to Navigate Market Volatility” (accessed March 17, 2025).