But there is a risk here. America still relies on the rest of the world as much as the rest of the world relies on America – attempting to reset the terms of global trade too hard in America’s favour might derail the economies of other countries.
So, what can you do to protect investments you already have against the volatility that we are experiencing, well firstly and most importantly make sure that your investment portfolios are as diversified as possible, across Asset Class, Sector and Country. Don’t be tempted to put all your eggs in one basket.
Look for Global dividend (income) funds, that are paying good income. Don’t be tempted to panic and sell funds when the markets are turbulent, remember the long-term potential, yes volatility can be scary, but patience will pay off, investing is for the medium to long term, 5 years plus. It is not a get rich quick scheme.
For investors looking to enter the market, the drop in the markets offers an excellent buying opportunity and realistically is the only option to achieve growth greater than inflation, as interest rates across the EU and the UK look to remain well below inflation for the foreseeable future.
So, if you are new to investing or would just like less risk and a smoother ride, there are investments out there that apply smoothing thereby giving you some cushion against volatility. This is an investment option so you can sleep easy at night.
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.
John Westwood, Blacktower Financial Management’s Managing Director, founded the firm in 1986 after previously forging a career with Schroder Financial Management that saw him develop a reputation as one of the leading financial advisers in London.
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