As a financial adviser, one of the most common questions I hear—especially during periods of political or economic turbulence—is, “Should I sell my investments?”
It’s a fair question. With headlines dominated by trade tensions, political uncertainty, and dramatic market moves, it’s natural to feel uneasy. Right now, for example, the ongoing discussion around Donald Trump’s tariffs and potential policy shifts are making some investors question whether it’s time to step aside.
But here’s the truth: trying to time the market in response to short-term uncertainty is almost always more harmful than helpful.
- The Market Has Weathered Far Worse
The stock market is remarkably resilient. Over the decades, it’s powered through wars, recessions, political scandals, pandemics, and yes—even trade wars. While these events can cause short-term volatility, the long-term trend has been upward.
If you had pulled your money out of the market during the financial crisis, Brexit, or the onset of COVID-19, you likely would’ve missed the powerful rebounds that followed.
- Timing the Market Is a Losing Game
Selling when markets are falling and buying back when they’re rising feels intuitive—but it rarely works.
The reality is, some of the best days in the market often come right after the worst days. Miss those, and your long-term returns suffer dramatically. One study showed that missing just the 10 best days in the market over a 20-year span could halve your returns.
Staying invested ensures you’re in the market when recovery happens—which it eventually does.
- Investing Is a Long-Term Journey
When you invest, you’re not just reacting to the next quarter—you’re planning for the next 10, 20, or 30 years. Short-term noise, even when it’s loud, shouldn’t drown out the long-term strategy.
The fundamentals of your financial goals haven’t changed: saving for retirement, funding education, building wealth. Those goals need long-term capital growth, and the market has historically been the best place to find it.
- Uncertainty Is Always Part of the Landscape
Whether it’s tariffs, elections, or global conflict—there’s always something that can rattle markets. But markets price in this uncertainty. And when you’re diversified and aligned with your goals, you’re better positioned to ride it out.
Instead of reacting emotionally, a better approach is to ensure your portfolio is well-diversified, aligned with your risk tolerance, and reviewed regularly—which is exactly what we help you do.
In Closing: Stay the Course
Volatility can be unsettling, but selling into fear rarely leads to better outcomes. If you’re feeling unsure, let’s talk. Often, the best response to market noise isn’t a dramatic move—it’s a steady hand and a long-term view.