It’s almost 3 months had passed since 2009 began. Business people and investors are still a bit wary what will happen on the economy. Thousand have been layoffs, companies being rescued by their own government and endless woes on the business sectors.
Americans and all other people around the world were hoping that US President Barack Obama will bring the miracle to the economy but sad to say that even Obama’s first 2 months in the office have been marked by sharp decline in the stock market. Even the so called “stimulus packages” did not stabilize the market.
Yesterday, I deposited some amount of money into my savings account and I asked the branch manager of the bank what is the outlook on the market which is jittery already. She gladly shared the best alternatives on where to put the hard earned money. I’ll write a post on this next time but for now I will share to you the investment tips that she gave to me.
She told me that investors can look forward to a more financially-secure this year by resolving to do the following:
1) Do be level-headed
Volatilities are natural in financial markets. During uncertain times, Do not panic. Remember that most people make poor financial decisions when they let their emotions lead.
2) Do keep sight of the big picture
Defining your investment goal is always an important step prior to investing. Weak markets is not a reason to abandon your financial plan. Moreover, investment performance should be evaluated over longer periods of time rather than during the interim.
3) Do possess investment discipline
When asset values are down, it is not advisable to sell even for the sake of locking your gains. A “hold” strategy will not only prevent you from realizing losses but will also allow you to benefit from the eventual recovery of the market.
4) Do invest regularly
Wealth-building is not a one-time act. Since timing is always perfect only at hindsight and you surely cannot predict when the highest and lowest levels of the market will occur, consistent regular investments during all types of markets is considered the best long term strategy for investors.
5) Do seek the assistance of your Financial Advisor
Financial advisors can help you assess the market situation and keep you informed of significant developments. Relationship Managers from your bank branches are always stand ready to help you make the right financial decisions.
Take these 5 simple investment tips as your strategies in volatile markets. No matter what you invest on, you have to be alert on market changes as this will give you the indication if your investment will profit in the future.
I agree with the advice in the articles. It’s difficult to time the stock market. So I continue to buy stocks in my 401K and average the costs down. Look at the market from a long-term perspective. Economy goes in cycles, so the market will turn around one day. May not be in 2009, or 2010, but one day. Of course, before we melt all the ice in the North and South Poles and we are all drowning crying for help.