The Impact of the Coronavirus on Financial Markets

You will be aware of the impact that the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on financial markets. This will be the worse week for financial markets since 2008. As your financial advisers, we are keeping up to date with developments and monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

What should investors do in light of developments?

We believe that there are three areas an investor should focus on at this time:

1) Remain disciplined. Internet articles, newspapers, radio and television headlines will sensationalise the situation and the impact on financial markets. We have seen similar developments come and go in the past. Unless you need access to funds at this time, remain invested and ‘stay the course’. Only by crystallising funds at this time will you sustain losses. Successful investors remain disciplined when those around them lose their focus.

2) Stay diversified. Your portfolio will hold up to 23,500 different stock, shares and bonds from across the globe. You will be invested across many sectors including financials, consumer goods, technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare (the final two sectors of which may actually profit from current events). This global diversification and spread of investment assets offer you the best protection against what we are seeing in markets at this time. We work hard to deliver to you the very highest levels of diversification possible at all times.

3) Focus on your goals. The reason behind your choice to invest is most probably longer-term – secure retirement, saving for your children’s education or financial security. Cut out the short-term noise and remind yourselves of these goals. The timescales of your goals have been taken into account in your portfolio and you are well prepared to meet these objectives.

Atherton York Business Contingency Plans

Should the virus spread in the UK, rest assured we have a business contingency plan in place. We have identified a series of steps that means we can remain operational, however the situation develops. We will always be here to help.

We hope that you and your family remain safe and look forward to seeing you at your next annual review meeting. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us, should you wish to discuss developments in any more detail or require further reassurance that you are well prepared for all eventualities.