It’s been hard to miss the wave of attention-grabbing headlines lately. News cycles have been dominated by concerns over Big Tech’s earnings, trade tensions, and a potential economic slowdown in 2025. Even seasoned investors can feel uneasy when faced with headlines like these.
Tesla, Apple, and Amazon (companies that have long driven market trends) have all seen their earnings expectations fall this quarter.1 Meanwhile, the presidential administration’s increasing focus on tariffs over tax cuts could affect costs for businesses and consumers.2
When uncertainty piles up, it’s natural to ask: Should I be doing something different?
The truth is that uncertainty is part of investing. While past performance is not indicative of future results, there are practical steps you can take to avoid letting anxiety dictate your financial decisions:
1. Take a Step Back from the Headlines – News outlets thrive on drama, but short-term market movements often don’t reflect long-term trends. Avoid making investment decisions based on fear-driven news cycles.
2. Focus on Your Personal Plan – Your portfolio is built around your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon – not today’s headlines. If your strategy was solid last month, it’s likely still solid today.
3. See Volatility as a Natural Part of Investing – History has shown that markets fluctuate, with periods of volatility often followed by recovery over time (however, future outcomes are not guaranteed). Selling out of fear may lock in losses, while patient investors tend to benefit over time.
4. Check Your Emotions Before Making Moves – If you’re feeling anxious, resist the urge to react impulsively. Instead, talk to your advisor (that’s what I’m here for!) before making any major decisions.
5. Ask Questions & Stay Engaged – If you’re concerned about how market conditions impact your investments, let’s discuss it. Stay informed but don’t act out of fear.
2025 will bring economic shifts, evolving government policies, and global uncertainty. But these are not new challenges. Markets have weathered far worse, and long-term investors are usually rewarded for staying patient. (Over the last 97 years, 94% of 10-year periods in the U.S. stock market were positive.3)
Let’s connect if you have specific concerns or life changes that could impact your financial strategy. Your investment plan should give you confidence, not stress.
