We are living in uncertain times, which is being felt all around the world.

Global stock markets are continuing to take a bashing, as the coronavirus spreads. The expansion of the outbreak is causing worry among governments, companies and individuals about the impact this will have on the global economy.

For a sustained period up to recently, markets have been rising except for a few “blips” here and there. We are currently experiencing one of those significant “blips.”

Although a severe decline can feel uncomfortable the falls we have seen is part of the journey when investing. Investing is about the long term. Markets fall, but markets will recover and it is best to remain invested to benefit from this when they do.

It is important to accept a few simple truths.

Markets are uncertain and there are always going to be ups and downs and no one can predict when they are going to happen. It is best therefore to avoid behaving irrationally and avoid making moves based on fear or speculation.

Additionally, it is best to focus on the long term and look at returns in terms of five/ten/twenty year plus periods, rather than isolated years, months or days. Past crises, such as the financial crisis of 2008/09, then don’t look as scary and are seen as small downward squiggles in a long term upward trend.

Please also remember that all the noise that comes from the media is just scaremongering and is best to be ignored.

Most importantly of all, it is fundamental to have the right portfolio structure in place which is built around values and goals and which is aligned to an ongoing plan. This helps to manage emotions and prevent panic which is really important during times such as this.

Life goes on and these current events will pass.