In the early hours of February 28, global markets were shaken by significant geopolitical developments, as the U.S. and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Iran responded with missile strikes, which escalated tensions and raised uncertainty in global markets.
It’s not surprising to see heightened volatility in the early stages of a conflict, especially one without a clear endgame.
A short-term risk-off response, with pressure on equities and upward movement in oil prices (due to possible supply disruptions), is not surprising in this environment. The U.S. dollar has also strengthened, benefiting from global inflows as it resumes its traditional role as a safe-haven currency.
In moments like these, it’s natural to feel uneasy.
Headlines are dramatic, markets react quickly, and uncertainty can make even
seasoned investors uncomfortable.
But here’s what we want to emphasize:
1. Market volatility is normal during a geopolitical
crisis
Market behavior in response to geopolitical events often
follows a familiar pattern: a reaction—which can sometimes be sharp—a rise in
volatility, and then a reset because investors attempt to price in the economic
impact at home.
In the immediate aftermath of significant events, markets
often stabilize more quickly than expected.
How the hostilities may impact the broader U.S. economy is
unknown right now, but we believe it will play a bigger role for investors over
the medium term.
2. Your financial plan and volatility
We design portfolios with the understanding that unforeseen
events, including geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, and policy changes,
will occur.
Your plan incorporates diversification, risk management, and
long-term strategy to help reduce risk and weather periods of turbulence.
3. Staying invested remains the most reliable long-term
approach
Times like these can tempt investors to make quick,
emotion-driven moves. But historically, reacting to headlines has often led to
worse long-term outcomes than sticking with the plan.
Markets have absorbed wars, recessions, pandemics, political
crises, and unexpected global shocks, and long-term investors have historically
been rewarded for their patience.
4. We are monitoring developments closely
While we don’t recommend making investment decisions based
on short-term news or emotions, we continuously monitor the situation, the
market response, and any potential implications for your portfolio.
If market conditions shift in a way that warrants action, we
will communicate proactively.
Final thoughts
Events unfolding in the Middle East are serious, and markets
may remain volatile in the coming days and weeks. But volatility alone is not a
reason to abandon a well-constructed financial plan.
As always, we encourage you to reach out if you have
questions, concerns, or simply want to talk through what this means for your
personal financial goals. We’re here to provide clarity, perspective, and
guidance, especially when the news feels overwhelming.
We get through moments like these by staying disciplined,
thoughtful, and focused on what we can control.
Thank you for your ongoing trust.
