Staying the Course: Navigating Market Uncertainty in Investment Planning

Phil had experienced this feeling before.

After 30 years of watching the markets, he recognized the tension, the same uneasiness he felt during the 2008 financial crisis, again in the COVID-19 market crash, and during the inflation surge of 2022.

He wasn’t panicking. But he was thinking about pulling his money out of the market and waiting “until things calm down.” When his friends asked him a simple question— “When will that be?” He didn’t have an answer.

His lack of confidence in his planning made him feel uncertain about reaching his long-term goals.

The Reality of Today’s Market

As we move through 2026, the economic picture feels uncertain. But that’s nothing new.

• Interest rates are still relatively high in recent years, even after easing from recent peaks.
• Some stocks, especially large technology companies, remain expensive by historical standards.
• Global tensions continue to push up oil, energy, and commodity prices.

All of this can make investors feel uneasy.

But here’s the truth: markets are always uncertain. The goal isn’t to wait for certainty; it’s to be prepared for uncertainty.

“Uncertain markets are not new, and neither is the mistake of trying to predict them,” says Scott Mass, Senior Vice President at David Lerner Associates.  “The investors who stay disciplined, revisit their portfolio, and resist the urge to react to every headline, tend to be the ones well-positioned to reach their goals.”

Why Waiting Can Cost You

It’s natural to want to step aside until things feel safer, but history shows that this approach often backfires. Market gains tend to come in short, unpredictable bursts. Many of the best days in the S&P 500 happen during the most volatile periods, when fear is often at its highest.

If you’re out of the market during those key moments, your long-term returns can drop significantly. In other words: Trying to “time” the market often means missing the very growth you’re waiting for.

Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of trying to predict what the market will do next, focus on what you can control:

• Your investment strategy
• Your level of risk
• Your time horizon
• Your discipline

A well-built portfolio isn’t designed for perfect conditions. It’s built to handle imperfect ones.

The Role of Diversification

One of the most effective ways to manage uncertainty is through diversification.

That means spreading your investments across different types of assets, such as:

• U.S. and international stocks
• Growth and value investments
• Dividend-paying stocks
• Bonds and other fixed-income investments

These assets don’t all move in the same direction at the same time. When one area struggles, another may help balance it out.

Just as important, portfolios don’t stay balanced on their own.

Over time, strong-performing sectors can take up more space than intended, increasing your risk without you realizing it. That’s why regular reviews and rebalancing matter, bringing your portfolio back in line with your original goals.

A Simple Strategy for Volatile Markets

If you’re investing regularly, through a retirement account or otherwise, there’s a built-in advantage you may already be using: dollar-cost averaging.

This simply means investing a fixed amount at regular intervals.

When markets are down, your money buys more shares. When markets are up, it buys fewer.

Over time, this can help smooth out the impact of market swings and removes the pressure of trying to pick the “right” moment to invest.

The Value of Staying Disciplined

Uncertain markets may test investors both financially and emotionally.

The instinct to react to headlines, make sudden changes, or “wait things out” can be strong. Yet, the investors who tend to succeed over time are those who stay disciplined, review their strategy thoughtfully, and avoid making decisions based on short-term fear.

A Steady Approach in Unsteady Times

You don’t need to predict the next market move to be successful.

What matters more is having a plan that:

• Reflects your goals
• Matches your risk tolerance
• Is built to handle market ups and downs

Working with a licensed Investment Counselor can help you evaluate your current portfolio, identify any gaps or risks, and suggest adjustments where needed that focus on long-term goals. Investing confidence doesn’t come from knowing what happens next. It comes from knowing that you’re prepared either way.

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Disclaimer: Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes, based on publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable. We cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.The subjects of this article are fictitious and created for illustrative purposes only. They are based on events of a similar nature and should not be interpreted as direct depictions of any specific individuals, organizations, or incidents. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, or actual events is purely coincidental.