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Curry Financial Group Inc logo

Matthew J. Curry, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, EA

Financial Planner

CA Insurance Lic. #4305463

 

Curry Financial Group, Inc.

23 Green Street, Suite 207

Huntington, NY 11743

 

Phone:  631-927-3322

Cell:       631-332-8774

Fax:        877-840-7821

 

Email: matt.curry@prudential.com

July/August 2026

Facing Volatile Stock Markets

Yacht sailing in a thunderstorm on a rainy day. Close-up view from the deck to the bow, mast and sails. Dramatic stormy sky, dark clouds. Waves and water splashes. Rough weather. Baltic sea, Sweden

After experiencing a significant loss in a particular stock or sector, an investor might become overly risk averse. The pain from the loss distorts their future decisions. Instead of evaluating opportunities logically, they steer clear of anything that reminds them of the investment that caused the pain.


Be wary of this psychological defense
If you've recently experienced major losses in a specific stock or sector, it's normal to feel a bit shaken. You're not alone. Many investors deal with the emotional impact of such downturns. However, allowing those tough experiences to influence your future choices can hinder your financial progress.


After a rough patch, it's common to become overly cautious. You might find yourself avoiding investments that even slightly resemble what caused your initial loss. This psychological defense can lead to missed opportunities. Markets are all about movement, and while it's wise to be careful, being excessively risk-averse can prevent you from making smart investments.


A better course of action
If you're feeling hurt by a stock loss (real or on paper), your best course of action is to step back and reassess. Remove your emotions from the equation. Look at the markets objectively. What you need to realize is that the investment landscape is always changing. Just because one sector took a hit doesn't mean it's doomed forever. Conduct research and consider how other companies handle similar challenges.


Approach new opportunities with an open mind. Instead of putting all your bets on a single area, consider diversifying your portfolio—if you haven't already—to include different sectors. That way, if one area encounters volatility, you have other investments to rely on.


Look before you leap
Instead of avoiding an entire investment sector or stock altogether, review your investment goals. Does your strategy need to change going forward, or are you reacting out of fear? Evaluate opportunities fairly and rationally with your advisor, and remember that the market is cyclical. By keeping your emotions in check and focusing on sound strategies, you can navigate volatile markets more confidently.


*Asset allocation won't guarantee a profit or ensure against a loss but may help reduce volatility in your portfolio.

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Matt Curry is a Financial Planner with, and offers securities and investment advisory services through LPL Enterprise (LPLE), a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an affiliate of LPL Financial.
LPLE and LPL Financial are not affiliated with Curry Financial Group, Inc.
This newsletter is general educational information provided by a Prudential Financial Professional and is not intended to market or sell any specific products and services, but rather provide general information about the subject matter covered only.
Curry Financial Group, Inc. and LTM Marketing Specialists LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Client Marketing, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

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