Market Volatility: An Overview
Many investors become concerned when volatility occurs in global financial markets – particularly about the impact on their superannuation and other investments. In times like these, it is important to understand the causes of market movements and how to minimise your risk.
Why do markets move so much?
Markets are influenced by many things – industrial, economic, political and social factors can all have an impact. For example, consumer and business confidence affect spending and therefore company profits. Global trade and production naturally affect economic growth.
Poor political and fiscal decisions in some countries may lead to a flow-on effect in other countries who are owed money. And of course, natural disasters can cause major damage to any economy with no warning. During times of market volatility, it’s important to remember one of the fundamental principles of investing – markets move in cycles.
What is the effect of market volatility on super funds?
In times of market volatility your super balance may decline, but it is important to remember that markets move in cycles. Volatility is a natural part of the economic cycle. Markets are influenced by a range of factors and are inherently unpredictable.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission’s (ASIC) MoneySmart website states ”Don’t panic if the short-term returns are negative: remember that super is a long-term investment.” History demonstrates that over the long-term, the general trend of share markets has been upward.
Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture
Super is a long-term investment. Shares, which usually form a large part of most balanced super accounts, are also generally a long-term investment. They are designed to provide capital growth over a period of five years or more. Think in years, not days.
The time frame for super may be 20 years or more, so short term volatility shouldn’t diminish the long-term potential of your investments. Growth assets (such as shares) tend to fluctuate in the short-term, but have historically provided excellent returns for investors over the long-term.
When share markets fall in value, it may be tempting to sell up. However, trying to time the market by selling now and buying back later is a risky strategy that rarely results in investors coming out ahead. By taking a long-term view of investing, you can ride out any short-term fluctuations in the market and take advantage of growth opportunities over the long-term.
Diversification
Diversification is one of the most effective ways of managing volatility. It can help deliver smoother, more consistent results over time. Your investment may benefit by being spread across a variety of asset classes, including shares (domestic and global), fixed income, cash, direct and listed property and alternatives.
This diversification should help soften the effects of any share market falls as some asset classes often tend to do well whilst others are struggling. Also, spreading your assets around means you are less reliant on any one asset class at any particular time.
Understand your risk profile
All investments carry some risk. How much risk you’re willing to accept will be influenced by your financial situation, family considerations, time horizon and even your personality. If market volatility has caused you to reassess the way you feel about risk, it’s important that you see your financial adviser to discuss any necessary changes to your financial plan.
Understanding the implications of withdrawing
Key takeaways
Keep in mind that:
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