The Markets Are Temperamental. Understand Your Risks.

The New York Times

“Volatility is the watchword in financial markets these days. When the mood shifts, markets swing wildly. Whether the Fed will trim rates — this coming week and in the months ahead — is only one of the many factors affecting the stock, bond and commodity markets. There is deep uncertainty about the future political and economic alignment of the United States. If you allow yourself to contemplate the multitude of issues facing the nation and the world right now, you may wonder how you can plan, and invest, at all. Accepting uncertainty as a constant condition is an unfortunate necessity, especially now, with the Trump administration’s constant stream of disruptive policies. Under these circumstances, thinking in advance about how to protect yourself is essential. Understanding the risks is a first step for any investor.”