How to React to Recent Market Volatility

While it may be difficult to remain calm during a substantial market decline, it is important to remember that market volatility is a normal part of the investment landscape.

In recent days the increase in volatility in the stock market has resulted in renewed anxiety for many investors. While it may be difficult to remain calm during a substantial market decline, it is important to remember that volatility is a normal part of investing. Additionally, for long-term investors, reacting emotionally to market volatility may be more detrimental to portfolio performance than the drawdown itself.

Intra-year Declines

Exhibit 1

This shows calendar year returns for the US stock market since 1979, as well as the largest intra-year declines that occurred during a given year. During this period, the average intra-year decline was about 14%.

About half of the years observed had declines of more than 10%, and around a third had declines of more than 15%. Despite substantial intra-year drops, calendar year returns were positive in 33 years out of the 40 examined.

This goes to show just how common market declines are and how difficult it is to say whether a large intra-year decline will result in negative returns over the entire year.About half of the years observed had declines of more than 10%, and around a third had declines of more than 15%. Despite substantial intra-year drops, calendar year returns were positive in 33 years out of the 40 examined.

This goes to show just how common market declines are and how difficult it is to say whether a large intra-year decline will result in negative returns over the entire year.

Reacting Affects Performance

If one was to try to time the market in order to avoid the potential losses associated with periods of increased market volatility, would this help or hinder long-term performance? If current market prices aggregate the information and expectations of market participants, stock mis-pricing cannot be systematically exploited through market timing.

In other words, it is unlikely that investors can successfully time the market. If they do manage it, it may be a result of luck rather than skill. Further complicating the prospect of market timing being additive to portfolio performance comes from just a handful of days. A substantial proportion of the total return of stocks comes from long periods – not just a few days. Investors are unlikely to be able to identify in advance which days will have strong returns and which will not. Therefore, the prudent course is likely to remain invested during periods of volatility rather than jump into and out of stocks. Otherwise, an investor runs the risk of being on the sidelines on days when returns happen to be strongly positive.

Impact of Missing Out

Exhibit 2

Conclusion

While market volatility can be nerve-racking for investors, reacting emotionally and changing long-term investment strategies in response to short-term declines could prove more harmful than helpful. By adhering to a well-thought-out investment plan, ideally agreed upon in advance of periods of volatility, investors may be better able to remain calm during periods of short-term uncertainty.

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Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

• Indices are not available for direct investment. Their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with the management of an actual portfolio.
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