Markets bucked and sold off again. (1)
Should we be worried?
Not necessarily. These things happen pretty regularly, especially when headlines are negative.
In fact, you might recall that we kicked off 2022 with a big drop. (2)
So, let’s talk about what’s behind the latest wild market ride.
(Scroll to the end if you want to skip right to the reassurance.)
What led to the selloff?
A number of economists think that a recession may be on the horizon.(1)
The latest forecast by the International Monetary Fund predicts that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to take a chunk out of global growth this year and next.(2)
Fannie Mae is forecasting slowing growth in 2022 and a recession in 2023.(3)
When multiple forecasts start pointing in the same general direction, it’s worth paying attention.
So, what do we do with that information right now?
Do we panic and freak out? Bail on our investment strategies to head off losses?
Nope.
You’ll often hear folks like me say that investors or markets “hate uncertainty.”
And that causes market drops and volatility.
Why do we hate uncertainty so much?
And how can we look past initial reactions and embrace the power of uncertainty?
I made a short video discussing 3 secrets to embracing the power hiding inside uncertainty.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, 3/31/22 – Eric Maldonado, Owner of Aquila Wealth Advisors, LLC has earned the Certificate in Blockchain and Digital AssetsSM from the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals. He joins an exclusive group of financial professionals with the credentials to serve investors who are curious about bitcoin, blockchain, and digital assets.
First, what is a bear market? It’s when stocks have dropped more than 20% from their last peak.
So yes, in some sectors, we are in a bear market territory.(1)
But, as of this writing, the broader S&P 500 has not entered a bear market. It’s possible it will, especially in this environment, but it hasn’t yet.
So, let’s remember goals-based investors with a financial plan are not day traders.
We’re long-term investors, and the day-to-day and week-to-week gyrations aren’t as important as what happens over years. What’s more important are the values, objectives, and time frames that have been laid out in your financial plan, in advance. If the financial plan doesn’t change, or your personal goals don’t change, then the investments don’t change.
Here’s a quick chart showing just how common big market drops are:
Bull Market and Bear Market Quiz!
For a bear market to begin, do stock prices have to fall by 10%, 15%, or 20% from a recent high?
Do you know the answer off the top of your head?
If you said 20%, you’re right!
May 2022 bring us peace, prosperity, and a whole lotta love.
And some greater certainty about what lies ahead.
You're probably seeing an endless parade of emails, listicles, and thought pieces loaded with predictions for 2022.
Will these predictions be right?
Probably some of them.
Will they be wrong?
Almost certainly.
As another eventful year comes to a close, I’d like to offer a heartfelt “thank you” for allowing us here at Aquila Wealth Advisors, LLC to have an impact on your financial independence and business ownership journey.
2021 was another year of uncertainty, but also a year where the indomitable human spirit shined.
There's a lot we can't control about the future, but we can control a few things.
As we usher in a new year with great expectations, here are some things to focus on:
Embracing Your Vision
What’s the best age to retire at?
How do you know when it’s the right time to retire?
We often spend a lot of time pondering those questions.
And we tend to confine our thinking to the financial side of things.1
How much do we need to retire and how far will our money go in retirement?
Answers to those questions are important.
But they aren’t the only things we need to consider if we want maximum fulfillment in retirement.
We also need to think about our psychological needs, especially when it comes to how we transition into retirement and how we spend our time as retirees.
Conventional thinking frames retirement as an all-in or all-out venture. But that is not always the best approach. And it doesn’t help you figure out how to spend your time in meaningful ways when you do retire.
Thinking outside the box and considering some creative alternatives to traditional retirement can help. That’s the focus of this month’s Aquila Wealth Visual Insights Newsletter.
