Investor Resource Center
Believe Your Beliefs…and Doubt your DoubtsOne of the biggest threats to an investor's long-term success is often their own psychology. During challenging markets, doubts and fears often lead to short-term decisions which could derail long-term investment plans. A few of the doubts that can undermine long-term investment strategies are listed below. Click on each thought to see how to keep these doubts at bay by remaining committed to core investment beliefs. Are you a financial advisor?Log in to our advisor site for additional resources to help your clients cope successfully with volatile markets. Maybe…I should wait for the market to get better. I'd be better off in cash. I should pull out of the market; all of my friends have. I should stop investing in stocks.
But Consider…History has shown that trying to pick the exact "right" time to invest is next to impossible. Plus, it's often difficult to find the good news that marks the start of a bull market. Watch how buying low during pullbacks in the market can help you take advantage of the market's eventual recovery. 
But Consider…Moving to cash may seem like the "safest" option over the short-term. However, over time inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money. Watch how risking "nothing" today may mean risking buying power down the road. 
But Consider…Investors tend to buy high, based on greed and anticipation, and sell low, based on fear and anxiety— when in fact, they should do the opposite. Watch to learn why following the "wisdom" of crowds is rarely a successful investment strategy. 
But Consider…A well-diversified portfolio has elements that "react" to the market in different ways. Too much or too little of any one asset class can mean a rocky ride. Watch how a well-diversified portfolio can help smooth out the ups and downs experienced during volatile markets. Surviving and Thriving Through Challenging MarketsTalk to your financial advisor and refer to these resources to stay focused on your long-term strategy and avoid potentially costly mistakes based on short-term thinking.
View and order other educational resources for surviving market volatility Important Legal InformationFor more information on any of our funds, contact your financial advisor or download a prospectus, which contains important information about a fund's investment goals, sales charges, expenses and risks. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403. |
Bear Markets Are What You Make of ThemYou need Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or higher to view and print PDF documents. Download free version from Adobe's website.
For U.S. residents only.