Investment Lessons from 2020

Heading into the new year, it’s fair to say we’ve all learned something about the social, political, physical and environmental forces that have affected everyone. And, in some ways, our lives will be changed, perhaps permanently.

But as an investor, here are some lessons from 2020:

The markets look ahead. In 2020, many investors discovered that investment prices don’t always move in the same direction as the overall economy. This might not have seemed apparent right after the COVID-19 pandemic struck in mid-February, as the overall economy and the stock market took big hits. But about five weeks later, the markets began a rally that lasted several months.

What can explain this discrepancy between the markets and economic activity? Essentially, economic numbers, such as the unemployment rate and gross domestic product (GDP), reflect what’s happening today. But the markets are always looking toward tomorrow, which means they anticipate a stronger economic recovery and the results that come with it, such as greater corporate earnings in 2021. 

No one can say for sure what the future holds, but you can usually know the market’s opinion by its performance.

Opportunities will always exist for investors. Although the coronavirus seems unprecedented, the equity markets have rebounded from many crises before. From war to global financial meltdowns, the market has seen it all. But even at the height of these events, when the markets might be most affected, individual segments or industries can do well.

For example, in the current environment, when many people have been forced to work and shop from home, and get their entertainment online, it’s probably not surprising that some parts of the technology sector have seen their economic activity grow, along with their stock prices. 

The key point: Investment opportunities always exist, especially in times of market stress — and smart investors will find them and incorporate them into their portfolios in a way that’s appropriate for their goals and risk tolerance.

Patience and discipline can pay dividends. As mentioned above, the stock market dropped sharply in the weeks immediately following the pandemic, but then gained steadily for months afterward. Investors who tried to “cut losses” and exited the market likely did so at the wrong time and missed out on the beginning of the upturn. 

This is not uncommon. Investors who overreact to market declines often find themselves on the investment sidelines just when a new rally begins. Rather than being reactive in this way, you may be better off sticking with a long-term investment strategy, and buying and selling investments only when it makes sense for your situation, such as when you need to diversify your portfolio.

It’s unlikely that we’ll see anything exactly like 2020 again. But some of the investment lessons we learned are applicable every year, so keep them in mind for 2021 and beyond.

Kevin Chancellor is a licensed financial advisor who specializes in helping individuals, families, and business owners in the areas of retirement planning, tax savings, estate considerations, and education savings. He has served as board chair for the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce and works with various charities throughout the county. 

Kevin Chancellor
www.blacklabfs.com
kevin@blacklabfs.com

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