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During financial crises, stock prices suffer. However, they typically recover over time.
This chart illustrate the cumulative returns of a balanced (60% stock/40% bond) portfolio after five historical financial crises. In the short term, uncertainty from such external shocks can create sudden drops in value. For example, the portfolio posted a negative return one month after the October 1987 stock-market crash. Over a longer period of time, however, returns were much more attractive, and investors who stayed the course reaped considerable rewards.
Fear and uncertainty might lead investors to sell their investments during tough times, putting downward pressure on prices. Trading based on these emotions can be detrimental to a portfolio's value. By selling during downward price pressures, investors might realize short-term losses. This is compounded as investors wait and hesitate to get back into the market, possibly missing some or all of the potential recovery. The lesson here is that patience can pay dividends.
Diversification can also limit losses during turbulent market conditions. The dot-com crash in 2000 resulted in a loss for the portfolio. However, it was less severe one year and three years after the crisis. Moreover, after five years, the portfolio had generated a 28% gain. One of the main advantages of diversification is reducing risk, not necessarily increasing return, over the long run. A diversified portfolio can help mitigate extreme swings in value.
*Courtesy of CI Investments.
This publication and website are intended for Ontario residents only and the information contained is subject to change without notice. Mutual Funds are offered and regulated through Global Maxfin Investments Inc. (GMII). Insurance products (including Segregated Funds) and Income Tax Planning is provided under the name of Ausim Mobeen. GMII does not supervise these activities and will not be accountable, responsible or liable for such activities. This publication contains opinions of the writer and may not reflect opinions of GMII. The information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to reliable, but no representation, or warranty, express or implied, is made by the writer or GMII or any other person as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. This publication is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities. The securities discussed in this publication may not be eligible for sale in some jurisdictions. If you are not a Canadian resident, this report should not have been delivered to you. This publication is not meant to provide legal or account advice. As each situation is different you should consult your own professional advisors for advice based on your specific circumstances.
