Just as you would think about calling a doctor if you're worried about your health , you should consider seeking advice from a professional when financial matters are troubling you. Most financial advisors know a lot about bears. Yours can help you stay cool by providing useful advice based on historical evidence. Together, the two of you can take a fresh look at your investment goals, time horizon, risk tolerance and financial circumstances. Get some perspective.
Bears are pretty common.
Ned Davis Research, Inc., July 1996, updated by Capital Research and Management Company, October 1997. With your financial professional, look at how your investment has done during previous market downturns. You should also review how your investment's track record relates to your goals and your time horizon. Time is your ally. It can take months or even years for the stock market to recoup setbacks - 16 years after the 1929 crash, versus just 23 months after the 1987 crash.