The market may fluctuate but focusing on things you can control will help you resist the urge to react on impulse.
Don’t panic. The ups and downs of the stock market aren’t as unusual as they may seem
The market can be volatile and that makes trying to time the market very risky. Research and history shows that you’re betting against the odds when attempting to accurately time when to get in and out. It’s similar to a gambler that feels he has somehow figured out how to “beat the house”. For market timing to pay off, an investor has to correctly predict when the market will go up AND when it will go down – or vice versa. If you’re wrong about the timing of one of these events, you could lose. Even the best day-traders see very mixed results. Are you really willing to gamble with your retirement funds?
In contrast, you may be tempted to sell off your assets after watching the market go down one day, then up the next. Resisting the urge to react to volatility, however, may allow you to benefit when it recovers. Instead, consider worrying more about the factors you can control, like how much you are saving. And consider putting more of your attention toward constructing a portfolio that reflects your risk tolerance and your long term retirement planning strategy.
Understanding the market cycle may be a key factor to getting the most out of your investment goals. Disciplined investing and managing your reaction to a bad market day or week could be the best hand you can play. Systematic investing does not ensure a profit nor guarantee against loss. Investors should consider their financial ability to continue their purchases through periods of low price levels.
Saving for retirement is a marathon, not a sprint. Stick to your plan and stay invested.
This material is provided for general and educational purposes only; it is not intended to provide legal, tax or investment advice. All investments are subject to risk. We recommend that you consult an independent legal or financial advisor for specific advice about your individual situation.
Please read the Program Annual Disclosure Document (April 2020) carefully before investing. The Annual Disclosure Document contains important information about the Program and investment options. For email inquiries, use: [email protected].
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Voya Financial Partners, Voya Retirement Advisors, and Voya Financial Advisors are members of the Voya family of companies (“Voya”). Voya and the ABA Retirement Funds are separate, unaffiliated entities, and not responsible for one another’s products and services.
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