markets Archives - Jennings Financial Services

Three realities and three mistakes

If market declines make you nervous, then you’re not alone. Especially now, when COVID-19 and its economic impact are fuelling feelings of uncertainty around the world. But while bear markets can be extraordinarily difficult, they also can be moments of great opportunity. Investors who find the courage and conviction to stick to their long-term plans are often rewarded as markets bounce back. To help put recent markets into perspective, we outline three facts about market recoveries and three mistakes that investors should avoid. Three facts about market recoveries Fact #1: Recoveries have been much longer and stronger than downturns The good news is bear markets have been relatively short compared with recoveries. They can feel like they last forever when we’re in them but in reality, they are much less impactful compared to the long-term power of bull markets. Although every market decline is unique, in the US, the average bear market since 1950 has lasted 14 months. The average [...]

Uncertainty, fear, toilet paper and investing.

Uncertainty, fear, toilet paper and investing An article from Bruce Apted - Head of Portfolio Management - Australia Active Quantitative Equities • What can panic buying of toilet paper tell us about investing? • Has the baby been thrown out with the bath water? • Recent correction largely typical What panic toilet paper buying can tell us about Investing Most of us have seen photos of empty toilet paper shelves in the super markets. What was your emotional response? Did you think about buying toilet paper too? Despite assurances from the government and suppliers that we have no shortages, fear can take hold of our decision making especially when there is uncertainty. As humans we are deeply influenced by the crowd. Faced with uncertainty our decisions tend to be more emotional. In this monthly note we take a look at the recent market correction in the context of human behaviour. Uncertainty and emotional decisions are part of everyday life [...]