The US 500 is currently down almost 20% from its top, while the US 100 is down more than 27%. Even some individual stocks have decreased by 70–90% from their peak (just look at Affirm, Shopify, and Lucid).
In other words, the current state of the stock market is chaotic. But if you know how to navigate a stock market slump, this disaster is also rife with great wealth-building chances.
Stock market declines are inevitable while investing. It's critical to comprehend the following numbers in order to capitalize on stock market volatility: An annual stock market correction, which is defined as a 10% drop from the top, typically lasts 54 days. A bear market, defined as a 20+% loss from the high, typically lasts for about a year every 3-5 years.
In other words, stock market downturns, like the one we've been going through the past year, are a regular occurrence in the world of investment. Investors who are aware of this are less likely to panic-sell and more likely to profit from these downturns in the stock market.
If in doubt, enlarge it. The stock market is unpredictable in the short term. It has a tremendous ability to swing up and down. Because of this, market timing is ineffective. However, over time, the stock market (as a whole) increases. For the past 70 years, the US 500 has generated 10.2% annually on average.
Long-term stock market trends favor upward movement because:
- Economic growth
- Population expansion
- A rise in productivity
- Technological progress
- More profitable business
Selling your assets out of fear during a market collapse is the last thing you should do while investing in the long run. It's preferable to be on the other side, purchasing rather than selling, in the majority of situations.
Investors Who Succeed Are Contrarians
Most individuals are thrilled when they can get food, clothing, or new equipment at a lower price. However, equities become uneasy rather than enthusiastic when they trade at a discount.
However, stock prices drop and the best deals are available during market downturns. This is a concept that only the most successful investors—who are frequently contrarians—can grasp. When stock prices fall, they become excited because they can now purchase equities for less money. The best investors are purchasing when everyone else is dumping their stocks out of fear. Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful, as Warren Buffett once stated.
The market's outperformer Sir John Templeton once stated, "The best chances arise during periods of the greatest pessimism." A crisis or a breakdown is an opportunity for bargain hunting, not something to be terrified of, according to Howard Marks, who has a net worth of $2.2 billion. To put it another way, the smartest investors see the opportunity that comes with a stock market slump like the one we're currently going through.
You Need Financial Management & Courage
Discipline is needed to purchase while everyone else is selling. Being a contrarian in thought and deed takes guts.
Additionally, you must practice sound money management to avoid investing more than you can afford to lose (the last thing you want is to be forced to sell your stocks out of necessity). But as Tony Robbins noted in Unshakeable: "Market unrest is nothing to be afraid of. It is your best chance to advance to financial independence. Stock market downturns, like the one we're currently experiencing, present a unique opportunity to advance your wealth when you invest for the long term.
It's time to shop around for deals rather than panic selling. The most secure strategy is to concentrate on index funds like the US 500 and the US 100. We hope that this blog post will be beneficial for you. We will continue to create useful works in order to get inspired by everyone. We are sure that we will achieve splendid things altogether. Keep on following Finage for the best and more.
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