As we wait for votes to be counted this morning, it may be helpful to put stock market returns in historical context. The attached graphic from Dimensional Fund Advisors shows performance of stocks in the months of presidential elections going back to 1926. You’ll notice there’s not a consistent trend. It’s one of the reasons that trying to predict the stock market is such a futile endeavor.
At Keener Financial Planning, we focus on the long term for investing. This morning, as we all deal with uncertainty, it may be useful to reflect on why we invest. For most of us, we invest to fund our goals and live the lives we envision for ourselves, our loved ones, and what we care about. We accept that there will be big fluctuations in the investment markets as participants incorporate new information. We saw this in the futures market last night as early results came in. These short-term fluctuations don’t affect our long-term use of the investments markets to fund these most important priorities.
If you have concerns about your portfolio, we are happy to chat with you. Please feel free to reach out.