“Uncertainty is the Only Certainty”

If you keep up with the news on a daily basis, it’s hard not to notice the constant fluctuation and turmoil on a geopolitical and financial front.  Whether it is escalating trade tensions, Brexit, decreasing interest rates, or inverting yield curves, there are a lot of stories with negative sentiment that raise uncertainty.  However, what might be interesting to notice, is that uncertainty is not something new to the financial markets.  One of my favorite quotes or memories from the financial crisis in 2008 is what Warren Buffet had to say about uncertainty:

“Over the long term, the stock market news will be good,” Buffett said. “In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.”

Buffet’s words are worth remembering.  Whenever uncertainty rears its ugly head it can be easy to panic or feel that this time is “different.”  We aren’t suggesting living in blissful ignorance of what is happening in the world, but to instead have a robust and well thought out investment strategy that provides peace of mind and doesn’t send you into a panic when you tune into the nightly news.

Remember, there will ALWAYS be uncertainty, but talk to a professional and put a plan in place to ensure you are set up for the swings and roundabouts the market is sure to throw your way.

September 27th, 2019