Why Discipline Outweighs Election Noise

Published:

Authors:
John Micklitsch, CFA CAIA, President & Chief Investment Officer


As we navigate through the outcome of the recent presidential election, it is imperative to remember the fundamental principles that guide our asset and wealth management strategies. The outcomes of elections, while significant in many respects, should not deter us from our long-term financial goals and the disciplined approach that we have adhered to over the years.

History has shown us that markets are influenced by a myriad of factors, of which political changes are just one. While election outcomes can lead to heightened near-term market movements, it is the steadfast commitment to a well-considered investment strategy that ultimately determines success. It is important not to let the transient noise of the current political landscape result in impulsiveness or sway our long-term investment decisions.

We understand that it can be challenging to remain impassive in the face of headlines and market speculations about industries and investments that will do better or worse under a new administration. However, our experience and historical market analysis suggest that a reactionary approach is often counterproductive. We encourage you to focus on the long-term horizon, as it is this perspective that has proven to be most beneficial for wealth accumulation and preservation. One of our favorite illustrations of this point is the following chart from BlackRock that highlights the persistence of returns from a diversified stock portfolio across both political parties holding the presidency.

S&P 500 Growth of $1k since 1926
BlackRock Election year special Student of the Market, 11/1/24. Source: Morningstar as of 8/31/24. Stock market represented by the S&P 500 Index from 1/1/70 to 8/31/24 and IA SBBI U.S. large cap stocks index from 1/1/26 to 1/1/70. Past performance does not guarantee or indicate future results. Index performance is for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in the index.

Our teams are dedicated to monitoring the economic and planning implications of the 2024 election outcomes and will continue to provide our clients with informed guidance. We are committed to adjusting our strategies as necessary to align with the evolving economic landscape while maintaining the core principles of our investment and planning philosophy.

View All >