Market turmoil and economic crises are frightening for everyone, even the most seasoned and disciplined investors. But it is important not to let emotions dictate your financial decisions. If you are fundamentally afraid of the future, you will never be a successful investor.

In this age of instant gratification, investors often feel under constant pressure to be doing something at all times. However, it is often best to be patient and do nothing. Making significant changes in your investment plan based on what the market or economy is doing today is not a sound approach. Patience is a key determinant of your long-term, real life return.

In the world of investing, discipline is about continuing to do the right things in both good and bad markets. The undisciplined investor reacts based on trends and events, allowing fear and greed to determine his or her investment decisions. The disciplined investor sticks with his or her plan regardless of the latest apocalypse du jour. When discipline fails, the plan fails.
 

Asset allocation, which we define as the mix of stocks, bonds, alternatives and cash in a portfolio, is a significant determinant of portfolio returns. Knowing that your assets are well allocated and invested in accordance with your goals and risk tolerance can give you confidence during periods of inevitable market volatility.*

^{*Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in a down market.}

Diversification refers to the spreading of risk and reward within an asset class. In its simplest form, it means never owning enough of one thing to make a killing in it, or to risk getting killed by it. Diversification creates balance within a portfolio by making sure the investor owns securities with many different companies in order to minimize individual business risk.

Rebalancing means taking the portfolio back to its original and desired long-term composition at regular intervals. By carefully monitoring your asset allocation over time, and rebalancing when needed, we can help ensure your portfolio remains compatible with your goals and risk tolerance.