Global stock markets can be unpredictable and highly volatile. They move frequently – and sometimes sharply – in both directions. Trying to second-guess the impact of world events on global stock market volatility rarely pays off and understandably this uncertainty can deter people from investing. This is why it’s important to take a long- term view (typically ten years or more) and remember your reasons for investing in the first place. Investors need to be prepared to view the downturns simply as part of a long-term investment strategy and stay focused on their investment goals.

Avoidance of trying to second- guess market movements

Of course, it’s also important to remember that past performance is not a guide to what might happen in the future, and the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Market conditions, investor sentiment and other factors will cause prices to rise and fall – and this in turn affects the value of the capital that was used to purchase them.

One option for more risk-averse investors over the long term is to save regular amounts, which enables the avoidance of trying to second-guess market movements. This method of investing is called ‘pound cost averaging.’ You are effectively drip-feeding money into shares or units on a regular basis rather than committing a single larger lump sum, and it works by smoothing market volatility.

Reduce the risk of buying in highly volatile market conditions

Pound cost averaging is based on the principle that when markets are low, you acquire more for your money, and when markets are high, you acquire less. It is most often used with equity-based investments rather than bonds or fixed income assets that tend to be less volatile. The concept can apply to regular monthly investing as well as spreading the investment of a large lump sum investment over a period of time.

Regular or phased investments can also reduce the risk of buying on the wrong day and in highly volatile market conditions and it could mean that investors are able to purchase more units.

This type of investing can more accurately be thought of as a series of lump sum investments since the entire contribution is invested each period. Phasing can be achieved via an automated phasing facility or by instructions to switch from one fund to another over a period of time specified by the investor.

Instilling investment discipline no matter what the market is doing

To give you an example, one way to do this is with a lump sum that you’d prefer to invest gradually – for example, by taking £50,000 and investing £5,000 each month for ten months. Alternatively, you could pound cost average on an open-ended basis by investing, say, £500 every month.

This principle means that you invest no matter what the market is doing. Pound cost averaging can also help investors limit losses, while instilling a sense of investment discipline and ensuring that investors are buying at ever-lower prices in down markets.

Drip-feeding a lump sum investment into funds in regular amounts

Regular saving and investing are a highly effective way to benefit from pound cost averaging and instilling a savings habit by committing you to make regular contributions. Regular saving is especially useful for investors who want to put away a little each month.

Investors with an established portfolio might also use this type of approach to build exposure a little at a time to higher-risk areas of a particular market. The same strategy can be used by lump sum investors too.

Most fund management companies will give you the option of drip-feeding your lump sum investment into funds in regular amounts. By effectively spreading your investment by making smaller contributions on a regular basis, you could help to average out the price you pay for market volatility.

Taking advantage of market down days by regularly long-term saving

Investment professionals often say that the secret of good portfolio management is a simple one – market timing. Namely, to buy more on the days when the market goes down, and to sell on the days when the market rises. As an individual investor, it is likely that you may find it more difficult to make money through market timing. However, you could take advantage of market down days if you save regularly by taking advantage of pound cost averaging.

Historically, the overall direction of developed stock markets is a relentless and continual rise in value over the very long term, punctuated by falls. It’s important not to let uncertainties affect your financial planning for the years ahead. Individuals who stop their investment planning, particularly during market downturns, can often miss out on opportunities to invest at lower prices.

In it for the long term

Major events causing global markets to fall, particularly in the short term, is something we’ve seen time and time again. And it doesn’t mean that markets won't recover, so try not to worry too much.

History shows repeatedly that the ups and downs of different types of market conditions are part and parcel of investing, and there have been many times in the past when events have caused short-term corrections.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The content was accurate at the time of writing. Whilst information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances, regulation and legislation after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the article.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested.

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