IN Shaler Spring 2016 | Page 15

INDUSTRY INSIGHT FINANCIAL FOCUS SPONSORED CONTENT Best Response to Volatile Markets? Stay Calm. I • • buy their stocks at potentially lower prices? Diversify. During the downturn, just about everyone’s portfolio was affected. But if yours took a particularly large hit, it might be because your holdings are over-concentrated in stocks, especially the types of stocks that fared the worst. You may need to further diversify your portfolio through a mixture of domestic and international stocks, bonds, government securities, real estate, certificates of deposit (CDs) and other vehicles. Diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or prevent against all losses, but it can help blunt the harshest effects of volatility. Review your investment strategy. Unless your goals have changed, there’s no reason to revise your long-term investment strategy, even in the face of wild fluctuations in the financial markets. Still, it’s always a good idea to review your strategy at least once a year, possibly in consultation with a financial professional. You may need to make smaller-scale adjustments in response to changes in the economy, interest rates, and so on, but don’t abandon your core principles, such as maintaining a portfolio that reflects your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Investing will never be either risk-free or predictable. But by taking the steps described above, you can relieve some of the stress associated with volatility and help yourself stay on track toward your financial objectives. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should understand the risks involved in owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments fluctuates and investors can lose some or all of their principal. Special risks are inherent to international investing, including those related to currency fluctuations and foreign political and economic events. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. MKT-6784L-A-FL EXP 30 APR 2016 PAGE 1 of 2 © 2015 EDWARD JONES. ALL RIGHTS R n recent months, stocks have fallen sharply from their record highs, with one-day drops that can rightfully be called “dizzying.” As an investor, what are you to make of this volatility? For one thing, you’ll find it useful to know the probable causes of the market gyrations. Most experts cite global fV'2&