Market Volatility Resource Center
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Insights to Help You in Times of Market Volatility
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Market Volatility
401(k) Savings and Investment Management
Insights and Perspectives
Our clients rely on us to help them understand what is happening, how to respond and what we're doing to help. Before you react, take a few minutes to see how we are responding to frequently asked questions.
Answers you need
*Chart end date is 12/31/2019; the last trough to peak return of 31% represents the return through December 2019.
Bear markets are defined as downturns of 10% or greater from new index highs. Bull markets are subsequent rises following the bear market trough through the next new market high. The chart shows bear markets and bull markets, the number of months they lasted, and the associated cumulative performance for each market period. Results for different time periods could differ from the results shown.
An index is a portfolio of specific securities (common examples are the S&P, DJIA, NASDAQ), the performance of which is often used as a benchmark in judging the relative performance of certain asset classes. Indexes are unmanaged portfolios and investors cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Funds and ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. All investments have inherent risks. There can be no assurance that the investment strategy proposed will obtain its goal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Source: S&P data © 2020 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.
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The Impact of the Elections on Your Investments
Is your investment portfolio ready for Inauguration Day? Watch this eye-opening webinar, where Ric Edelman shows you how the stock market has behaved in every administration since 1949. He gives you the three-step investment strategy you need right now.
Should you change your investments?
You may find the idea of financial planning to be confusing or even overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Just like you rely on your family doctor to help you address your physical health, a financial planner can help you manage your financial health.
Markets always go up and down. Over the long-term, diversified portfolios have provided the best opportunity for growth. So, recent market swings shouldn’t cause long-term investors great alarm. It’s a good time to take a breath, assess your investment strategy and make a few adjustments.
What's going on with stock markets?
Inflation, interest rates hikes, tech stock losses. What's causing market volatility? If you're looking for help understanding what's driven markets lower in January, read our latest Market Update for insights and perspective from our investment experts.
We're here to help.
Contact an Edelman Financial Engines advisor at (855) 224-1379, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. EDT.
After the stock market’s recent losses, it’s understandable if you’re worried about how to move forward with retirement planning. Edelman Financial Engines advisors can help you better prepare for retirement with a review of where you stand with your finances and retirement savings.
Call (855) 224-1379 to talk to an advisor.
Market Volatility
Volatility often makes the news – and it can seem very alarming. That’s why we wanted to provide you with some background – and hopefully some reassurance.
It can be alarming and frustrating to watch prices continue to increase. But you should separate the impact of inflation on your day-to-day spending from the impact on your portfolio.
Market update
In October, we’ve seen a continuation of the same themes that have defined 2022 so far: markets reacting to higher-than-expected inflation and interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve with above-average volatility. While some of the details have changed from month to month, the underlying causes of inflation remain in place – the war in Ukraine leading to higher energy and food prices; supply chain constraints still affecting the manufacturing and distribution of the goods we buy; and strong employment and wage growth for much of the year.
In response, the Fed has been aggressively raising its target interest rate, with no signs of easing off. Its aim is to slow spending by making borrowing more expensive, but without tipping the economy into a recession. Markets have already priced in another interest rate increase of 0.75% from the Fed’s next meeting in November, and many analysts anticipate the Federal Funds rate will be at 5% by March 2023.