Markets

This Isn't the First or Last Crisis We Will Face

If you’re feeling uneasy about things right now, you're not alone. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little anxious, too. Markets are volatile, headlines are unnerving, and the future feels uncertain. It’s a lot.

And yet, when my mind starts to spin, I find some clarity in history. We can learn a great deal from past market crises—what caused them, how investors responded, and the process of recovery that followed. In every case, whenever we thought, “This time is different,” we eventually made it through.

From the Great Depression to the oil shocks of the ’70s, from 9/11 to the financial crisis, from COVID’s market freefall to today’s geopolitical uncertainty and policy whiplash, investors have faced fear, loss, and doubt time and time again. And still, historically, the long-term trajectory has been growth. In fact, through 13 recessions and 11 bear markets over the last 70 years, U.S. stocks have delivered average annual returns of about 8%. (1)

That doesn’t mean every portfolio follows the same path. And it doesn’t mean things aren’t painful in the short term. But history reminds us of two things: fear is temporary, and resilience is real.

Someone with their back to the camera, being consoled by two other people

History gives me hope, but I don’t want to oversimplify. Just because markets have always recovered doesn’t mean every investor experience is the same, or that every moment of volatility feels manageable while it’s happening.

Yet, it is noteworthy that we don’t help our clients invest based on assumptions that everything will always go up. In fact, we specifically design strategies to include a variety of asset types—some intended to grow, some to preserve, some to help buffer against shocks—because real life is messy, and markets reflect that messiness.

No portfolio is perfectly protected from short-term pain. But the goal isn’t perfection. It’s durability. The work we do with our clients around setting goals, clarifying priorities, and choosing the right mix of investments is a big part of what contributes to long-term resilience.

If you're feeling uneasy, I get it. These are tough times, and staying invested isn’t always comfortable. But reacting emotionally to short-term swings can often create long-term setbacks. History repeats that pattern, too.

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Markets Are Reacting

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I won’t sugarcoat it - this has been a tough time for the markets.

After President Trump’s sweeping rollout of new tariffs, U.S. stocks had their worst single-day drop since the early pandemic on Thursday, April 3rd. (1) The S&P 500 fell nearly 5%, the Nasdaq tumbled close to 6%, and the Dow dropped over 1,600 points. (2) Concerns over a full-scale trade war sent global markets reeling and investor confidence took a sharp hit. Selling continued Friday.

From major retailers to energy companies, few sectors were spared. At the same time, rising tariffs on auto imports and goods from countries like China, Vietnam, and the European Union are fueling fears of inflation, reduced consumer spending, and even the possibility of a recession. (2)

It’s no surprise if you’re feeling uneasy. You're definitely not alone.

Here’s what I want you to remember: times like these are why we build diversified portfolios and personalized plans. You are not invested directly in the S&P 500 or the Nasdaq. Instead, your portfolio is designed to span a range of asset classes, sectors, and geographies - and we intentionally include strategies and instruments beyond equities that are intended to help cushion against volatility.

While market indexes may grab headlines when they swing, your strategy is built with long-term goals in mind, not short-term reactions.

That said, this downturn is real - and it’s unsettling. So here’s what we can do:

  • Focus on what we can control, like how we react, how we stay diversified, and how we manage risk.

  • Avoid the urge to panic sell, which historically has been one of the costliest investor mistakes.

  • Stick to your plan, which was designed with the realities of both good and bad times in mind.

  • Your plan was also designed to include tactical "tilts" that can help during choppy markets. 

  • Remember that these tariff talks are still relatively new and we don't know how things will play out yet.

It’s also worth noting that even on days like this, there are bright spots. Not every sector is falling, and some defensive areas like consumer staples have held up well. This reinforces why diversification matters - because we don’t try to predict the future, we prepare for it.

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Not All Doom & Gloom

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Yes, markets are down—but that’s only part of the story.

The S&P 500 just slipped into correction territory, and the news cycle is fanning the flames. What’s driving the volatility? Are there any silver linings out there?

In this short video, I explain what’s behind the recent dip, and why a diversified portfolio still stands strong.

Thumbnail for video explaining market correction.

A quick video about the market correction and three takeaways.

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Caution & Optimism Can Coexist

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After reaching more new highs recently, markets have pulled back and gotten choppy. (1)

Let's break down what's happening and why it matters.

What's driving recent volatility?

Concerns about the impact of inflation and tariffs on consumer sentiment are one major driver. (2) If Americans lose confidence in the economy, they may pull back on spending, which is the biggest driver of economic growth.