Stop Being Afraid of a Down Market
Bear markets typically aren’t as scary as most investors fear. Really. Here’s why, and an outline of the options investors have.


Nobody likes a down stock market – or do they?
Almost every conversation I have had with clients this year included some amount of fear over where the markets are and where they are headed. The concerns range from losing a few more percentage points (possible) to losing 100% of their money (absurd). If an investor in a moderate portfolio lost all their money because the stock market went to zero, you would have much bigger things to worry about than your money. There wouldn’t be anything to buy with it anyway. You’d need to learn farming skills ASAP, because there would be no more stores to buy anything from. The world would have, for all intents and purposes, ended. So clearly this is not a rational fear.
On the other hand, could the markets drop to a level we saw before the July/August rally? Sure, it could. It could even go a bit lower.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The issue isn’t that the market could go lower at any given point, the issue is what will it ultimately do? The answer to that question in the past has always been that it moved higher – eventually. As we know, markets go both up and down, but they have always trended higher. This time and the next 10 after it will ultimately be no different, regardless of the reason it goes down.
Bear Market Statistics Offer Reassurance
Since 1950, we have seen 11 bear markets (defined as a drop of at least 20% from its most recent high). The average duration of those bear markets was 13 months, and the average drop in the markets was -33%. By comparison, during that same time period, bull markets have lasted 67 months on average and experienced a total return of +265%. *
If we know that the bull markets have lasted on average five times longer than bear markets, and the returns have been eight times greater, then why are we afraid of down markets? For starters, I think we fear them more because we see them less often. Secondly, bad news gets a lot more coverage than good news.
Boiling Down Investors’ Best Options
So, what is an investor to do? Here are your choices:
- Sell. History tells us this is a bad idea when markets are down. Unless you need the money to live on, selling investments when the markets as a whole are down is simply not a good idea, regardless of your level of fear.
- Ride it out. After the five biggest market declines since 1929, the average annual return for the five years following those major events was +23.1*per year. And only two years out of those 25 saw another negative year during those time periods.
- Buy. You’ve all heard the phrase buy low/sell high right? Then why are investors so reluctant to do it? If markets are on sale, then go buy them just like you would any other item you need to purchase. Better to buy something on sale than to pay full price for it.
When markets go down, which we know they will because it is a normal function, then look to history to help calm those fears. A great place to start is to re-evaluate your risk relative to your goals. Most times, if the goal hasn’t changed, then the investments shouldn’t either.
*Source: Capital Group
Disclaimer
Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
T. Eric Reich, President of Reich Asset Management, LLC, is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, holds his Certified Investment Management Analyst certification, and holds Chartered Life Underwriter® and Chartered Financial Consultant® designations.
-
Are You a Retirement Millionaire Too Scared To Spend?
If you are too scared to spend money in retirement, you may be saddled with regret. Here are three ways to safely enjoy your sizable retirement nest egg.
By Donna Fuscaldo Published
-
U.S. Treasury to Eliminate Paper Checks: What It Means for Tax Refunds, Social Security
Treasury President Trump signed an executive order forcing the federal government to phase out paper check disbursements by the fall.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Seven Questions to Ask When Evaluating Personal Loan Options
Taking out a personal loan too hastily could lock you into unfavorable terms with an untrustworthy lender. Ask these questions before signing anything.
By David Kimball Published
-
The Three Biggest Fears Keeping Retirees Up at Night
Here are the steps you can take to put those fears to rest and retire with confidence so you can relax and enjoy the life you've planned.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
What Can a Donor-Advised Fund Do for You? (A Lot)
DAFs and private foundations go about helping charities (and those who donate) in different ways. Each comes with its own benefits and restrictions to navigate.
By Julia Chu Published
-
Estate Planning When You Have International Assets
Estate planning gets tricky when you have assets and/or beneficiaries outside the U.S. To avoid costly inheritance mistakes, it pays to understand the basics.
By Kelsey M. Simasko, Esq. Published
-
Three Essential Estate Planning Steps to Protect Your Nest Egg
After dedicating years to building your wealth and securing your future, make sure your assets are protected and your loved ones are provided for in the future.
By Nicole Farbo, CFP® Published
-
Is Chasing the American Dream Ruining Your Financial Life?
Too many people focus on visible affluence as a marker of success. Here's how to avoid succumbing to the pressure and driving yourself into debt.
By Anthony Martin Published
-
Retiring With a Pension? Four Things to Know
The road to a secure retirement is slightly more intricate for people with pensions. Here are four key issues to consider to make the most out of yours.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC® Published
-
How to Teach Your Kids About the Tax Facts of Life
Taxes are unavoidable, so it's important to teach children what to expect. Also, does your child need to file a tax return for 2024? Find out here.
By Neale Godfrey, Financial Literacy Expert Published