Managing investment market highs and lows

Key takeaways:

• One of the key principles of successful investing is to adopt a long-term perspective and remain committed to your investment strategy

• By spreading your investments across various asset classes, sectors, and geographical regions, you can reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio

• Conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.

The investment market is known for its cyclical nature, characterised by periods of highs and lows. While market highs can be exhilarating, market lows can be challenging and stressful.

Successful investors understand that both market conditions present unique opportunities. Here, we will look at strategies to effectively cope with those investment market fluctuations.

Develop a long-term perspective

One of the key principles of successful investing is to adopt a long-term perspective. Trying to time the market or make short-term gains can be risky and unpredictable. Instead, consider focusing on long-term goals and remaining committed to your investment strategy.

Diversify your portfolio

Diversification is key. By spreading your investments across various asset classes, sectors, and geographical regions, you can reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. Consider investing in a mix of shares, bonds, real estate, and other assets to balance risk and potential returns.

Systematic investing

Adopting a regular investment approach can be beneficial during market highs and lows. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, you automatically buy more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high. This strategy helps mitigate the impact of market timing.

Do your research

Conduct thorough research before making investment decisions. Understand the underlying fundamentals of the companies or assets you are considering, as well as the broader economic and market trends.

Also, stay updated with the latest investment news. Regularly read reputable financial publications, follow industry experts, and consider seeking advice from us.

Knowledge empowers you to make informed investment decisions and better understand the reasons behind market movements.

Balancing your portfolio

Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to align it with your long-term goals and risk tolerance.

During market highs, some investments may become overvalued, while during market lows, certain assets may be undervalued. Rebalancing ensures that your portfolio stays diversified and aligned with your investment strategy.

Keep an emergency fund

Having an emergency fund is crucial to withstand market lows or unexpected financial challenges.

Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses set aside in an easily accessible account. This will provide a safety net, allowing you to navigate through market downturns without being forced to sell your investments at a loss.

Seek professional advice

Consider consulting with us, as we understand the Australian investment market (and the global market if you have overseas interests in your portfolio).

We can provide personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances, risk tolerance, and investment goals. We can also help you stay disciplined during market highs and lows, providing an objective perspective and helping you avoid emotional decision-making.

Bottom line: investment market highs and lows are inevitable, but these strategies can help you effectively manage changes in market conditions. 

Successful investing requires discipline and patience. It is essential to stick to your investment plan and resist the temptation to chase short-term gains or react to market noise. By maintaining a long-term perspective and staying disciplined, you are more likely to achieve your financial goals despite market fluctuations.

Talk to us if you’d like to find out more about your investment strategy.

*Based on SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, SR50 MySuper Index to March 2023. 

Important information and disclaimer
This article has been prepared by NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited ABN 80 008 515 633 AFSL 236465 (NULIS) as trustee of the MLC Super Fund ABN 70 732 426 024. The information in this article is current as at June 2021 but may cease to be accurate in the future.

NULIS is part of the group of companies comprising IOOF Holdings Ltd ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (IOOF Group).

Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of preparation. In some cases information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

To the extent that the information in this article is or contains advice, it does not take into account any particular person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information, you should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, consider the product’s appropriateness to you having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs, and consider obtaining independent advice. The Product Disclosure Statement for the MLC Super Fund is available at https://www.mlc.com.au/personal/superannuation/products or can be obtained by calling 132 652 (Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm AEST/AEDT). Returns are not guaranteed and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of an investment may rise or fall with the changes in the market. You should not rely on this article to determine your personal tax obligations. Please consult a registered tax agent for this purpose. Subject to terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, neither NULIS nor any member of the IOOF Group accepts responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in the information in this communication.