Staying Steady in Shifting Sands: Navigating Stock Market Volatility with Informed Decisions

Volatility and uncertainty are expected to continue in the stock market this week. Labor strikes are getting closer to resolution, but Washington budget talks remain ongoing. The Fed is focused on bringing inflation under control, and housing prices are starting to come down. September is often a negative month for the stock market, and this trend is likely to continue in the next four days.

However, there is reason to be optimistic. Many of the current issues in the market are temporary, and the Fed is starting to slow the pace of rate hikes. Investors who focus on the long term and invest in companies with strong fundamentals are likely to be rewarded.

Here are some key takeaways from the week:

• Stocks have struggled this month as the Federal Reserve signaled higher interest rates for longer, sending bond yields rising.
• The market also contended with a rally in crude oil and a winning streak in the dollar during the seasonally weak trading month.
• The S&P 500 is on pace for its second straight losing month and its worst month since December.
• The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is headed for its biggest monthly loss since December.
• Investors should expect a volatile market in the coming weeks. The Fed is likely to continue raising interest rates, and there is still uncertainty about how high inflation will go.

As John Templeton said, “The smart investor must know the difference between what is temporarily undervalued and what is permanently undervalued.” There are many great value stocks available right now, but investors should be careful and do their research. It is important to invest in companies with strong fundamentals and a long-term focus.

Here are some tips for investing in a volatile market:

• Focus on the long term. Don’t make investment decisions based on short-term volatility.
• Invest in companies with strong fundamentals. Look for companies with a solid track record of profitability and growth.
• Diversify your portfolio. Invest in a variety of different asset classes and industries to reduce your risk.
• Rebalance your portfolio regularly. This will help ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Many under-performing investors are always scared of bargains but with education, discipline and persistence, there are great stocks out there.  A Fiscal Investor will always invest but look for fallen angels not falling angels!  DO your research and invest in strong companies with a long-term focus and a great financial situation.  Getting a dividend will just help you get paid why you wait for this market to turn.

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