Investing in times of uncertainty

There is no doubt that the pandemic and invasion of Ukraine has resulted in market volatility. Economic and geopolitical events always prompt investors to question whether now is a good time to invest or to remain invested.

It is important to remember that some market volatility is inevitable; markets will always move up and down. As an investor, putting any short-term market volatility into historical context is useful.

This chart of the FTSE 100 since inception, details a series of significant events over the last 35 years or so. Despite a variety of market shocks and rebounds, the index still has a long-term growth trend.

Chart: FTSE 100 since inception to 24 May 2022, source Yahoo and Trading Economics

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested.

The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

The bigger picture

Many investors are getting used to a variety of political, financial and economic factors and learning to look through the ‘noise’ to focus on what really matters.

Portfolio diversity holds the key to approaching your investments and managing risk.

It is important to think about longer-term timescales instead of focusing too intently on short-term events and market fluctuations.

• Adopting the longer-term view

Investment requires a disciplined approach and a degree of holding your nerve if markets fall. Experienced long-term investors know that the worst investment strategy you can adopt is to jump in and out of the stock market, panic when prices fall and sell investments at the bottom of the market.

• Finding the right balance

However concerning market fluctuations may be, it’s important to remember that we have jointly worked hard to formulate a financial plan which is in line with your personal requirements.

• Diversifying your portfolio

Successfully achieving your long-term investment goals requires balancing risk and reward. By selecting a broad range of assets in line with your attitude to risk, objectives and time horizon, diversification aims to provide the potential to improve returns for your elected level of risk.

• Communication is key

As an investor, you have to decide how much risk is right for you. While the process of building a portfolio will incorporate strategies designed to help reduce risk, it cannot be eliminated altogether. 

We also need to make sure that we are aware of any changes in your objectives or circumstances. And, of course, you should remember that volatility also creates opportunities for investors.

• The right strategy

Financial advice and regular reviews are essential to help position your portfolio in line with your objectives and attitude to risk, and to develop a well- defined investment plan, tailored to your objectives and risk profile.

Financial advice is obviously key, so please don’t hesitate to get in contact with any questions or concerns you may have.

Tees are here to help

We have many independent financial advisers who are based in:

Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
Hertfordshire: Bishop's Stortford and Royston

But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

This material is intended to be for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns and all investments involve risks. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources we consider to be reliable.

Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered number 211314. Tees Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 4342506.