If you’ve built significant wealth, it’s unlikely you did so by reacting impulsively to every market, economy or political-twisting headline. Yet today’s environment—with ongoing trade frictions, inflation worries, and talk of economic political interference—can feel unnerving even to seasoned investors.
However, as a financial investor whose been serving clients for over 25 years, I can tell you with confidence that sometimes when markets are fluctuating and headlines are flying, the hardest (and often wisest) move is to do nothing. Let me explain why.
The Emotional Cost of Reacting to Noise
In today’s environment, it’s not just market volatility you’re dealing with—it’s information volatility.
- One moment, headlines warn of a tariff war.
- The next, markets are surging to record highs.
- Then comes a sudden dip after a political tweet or a surprise inflation data point.
Clients tell me things like:
- “Maybe I should move to cash until things settle.”
- “Is now the time to go heavier into alternatives?”
- “What if AI is overhyped—should I trim tech?”
These are understandable questions. But they’re often rooted in the same trap: noise-driven decision making.
Behavioral finance teaches us that humans are wired to react to perceived threats. When you hear words like tariffs, recession, or overheated market, your brain kicks into self-preservation mode. Fight or flight. But in investing, that instinct can backfire.
Acting on every headline—or trying to outmaneuver short-term market swings—often leads to unnecessary stress, increased trading costs, and worse outcomes. It’s like changing lanes in traffic every few seconds thinking you’ll get there faster, only to find you’ve just added chaos without making progress.
Why I Keep Saying “Stay the Course”
At the end of each video blog—and often in client meetings—I always sign off with: “Stay the course.”
It’s not just a tagline. It’s a mindset that counteracts the urge to chase headlines or make reactive moves. You don’t need to respond to every market hiccup. You need to stay focused on what actually moves the needle:
- Resisting short-term noise, whether tariff threats, inflation worries or political upheaval)
- Trusting a well‑built plan with diversified assets, appropriate liquidity, and a tax strategy
- Recognizing volatility as opportunity: fast-moving markets can create attractive buying points if you stay strategic
Remember: Focus On The Things You Can Control
You can’t control the markets, the headlines, or the Fed—but you can control your financial strategy. And in times like these, focusing on the controllables is where real peace of mind comes from.
- Your allocation strategy: Is your portfolio properly diversified across asset classes, time horizons, and risk levels? A thoughtful mix helps you stay invested during turbulence without sacrificing long-term growth.
- Tax-smart rebalancing and planning: Are you using volatility as an opportunity to harvest tax losses, reposition assets, or take advantage of Roth conversions? These behind-the-scenes moves can quietly add long-term value.
- Liquidity and cash flow readiness: Do you have enough readily accessible capital for short-term needs or unexpected opportunities, without having to sell investments at the wrong time? A solid liquidity plan gives you confidence when markets waver.
- Your timeline and goals: Are your investments aligned with when you’ll actually need the money? Short-term noise matters far less when your long-term goals are guiding your strategy.
- Your advisory relationship: Do you have a financial advisor you trust to help you stay focused, make informed decisions, and avoid emotionally driven mistakes? A trusted guide makes all the difference when the market gets noisy.
Final Thought
Wealth isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about confidence. In this bumpy mid‑2025 market landscape, your best reassurance comes from having a plan that you believe in—and the resolve to stay the course, even when headlines spike.
Let’s revisit your strategy—to confirm it’s still aligned and responsive, not reactive. I’m here to help you stay focused and confident.
Feel free to book some time with me to chat about your portfolio or get a second opinion: https://calendly.com/winstone-wealth-partners/financial-consultation-with-jeff-green
Please Note: Any opinions are those of Jeff Green and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. The information contained in this material does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax advice. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional.