It seems the coronavirus is affecting almost everything from physical wellbeing to financial wellbeing. You may have heard about the stock market dropping and being in a “bear market”, but what is a bear market? What’s the difference between a bull market and a bear market? How does this affect you?
The term bull/bear market refers to the movements of the market. A bull market is when the markets are going up. This term comes from the image you get when a bull is attacking with its horns. It attacks in an upward motion, hence an upturn in the market. Likewise, for a bear market. When a bear attacks, it brings its claws in a downward motion, therefore a bear market is a downturn in the market.
So why does this even matter? A bear market is typically defined as a drop of 20% or more in a market index. This type of volatility can be highly emotional and drive investors to make bad decisions that undermine their long-term financial goals. Likewise, a long period of strong markets could signal an inflection point and the inevitable turn from bull to bear. The science of behavioral finance shows that while we assume rational decision making during these market cycles, the truth is we make emotional decisions when things get rough.
It’s important to understand how this can affect you financially. Since your investments and retirement accounts (like your 401k) are tied to the markets, your account balances are going to go up or down depending on the direction the markets go. The next question is, how do people navigate these ups and downs?
That is where Chartway’s financial advisors come into the picture. We have the resources to help answer these questions. We have financial advisors that will sit down with you and help you understand and navigate the investment world.
Want to learn more? Join us to learn how to handle market moves by attending our free webinar, "How to Weather A Bear Market."
- Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 6:30 P.M. ET
- Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 11 A.M. MT
Meet our advisors!
Kim Hamblin is the financial advisor for the Chartway branches serving in Utah. She holds a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Utah and has been in the finance industry for over 13 years. She can help you plan and navigate a bear market.
Mike Meehan is the financial advisor for the Chartway branches serving Virginia Beach and parts of Norfolk. Mike has been through 3 bear markets and can help you determine what to do and what not do to.
Stephen Noffsinger is the financial advisor for the Chartway branches serving Chesapeake, Suffolk, and parts of Norfolk. He holds an MBA and has been working in the financial industry for 26 years.
Click here to learn more about Chartway’s Retirement and Investment Services. Or schedule a virtual meeting with one of our advisors.
Disclosures
Chartway Retirement & Investment Services Advisors are registered representatives of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No financial institution guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.