Investors Seek Stability Amid Iran War Turmoil

Financial advisors recommend cash management strategies to weather market volatility.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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With the ongoing Iran war rattling financial markets, investors are looking for ways to keep their money safe and find stable returns. Financial advisors recommend diversifying investments, maintaining emergency funds, and strategically allocating cash to short-term Treasuries and high-yield savings accounts to minimize risk and volatility.

Why it matters

The Iran war has contributed to significant market uncertainty and volatility, prompting investors to reevaluate their cash management strategies. Advisors emphasize the importance of diversification, short-term cash holdings, and long-term planning to help clients weather the storm.

The details

Advisors suggest keeping 6-12 months' worth of expenses in an emergency fund, and 2-10% of a portfolio in cash, depending on individual circumstances. For short-term goals, they recommend parking funds in checking accounts, high-yield savings, or short-term Treasuries to avoid stock market risk. Some firms are "dialing back" equity positions and "laddering T-bills" to provide regular cash flow and minimize interest rate risk.

  • The 3 Month Treasury secondary market rate was 3.6% on Wednesday, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
  • On that same date, Bankrate reported the top high-yield savings account rate was 4.09%.

The players

Blair duQuesnay

A certified financial planner and chartered financial analyst at Ritholtz Wealth Management.

Gloria Garcia Cisneros

A wealth manager at LourdeMurray in Los Angeles and a CNBC Financial Advisor Council member.

Kaleialoha Cadinha-Pua'a

The CEO and chief investment officer of Cadinha & Co., a firm ranked No. 15 on CNBC's Financial Advisor 100 list for 2025.

Valerie Rivera

A CFP and the founder of FirstGen Wealth in Chicago.

David Nason

The CEO of TIAA Wealth Management and Advice Solutions.

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What they’re saying

“War is always worrisome. People lose their lives. Property is destroyed. Markets are disrupted.”

— Blair duQuesnay, Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Analyst (CNBC)

“If it's money you'll need in the next 30 days, it should be in a checking account; the next six months, a high-yield savings account.”

— Blair duQuesnay, Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Analyst (CNBC)

“There's something they want one or two years from now, so they can't afford the volatility that comes with the market, and money you need one or two years from now should not be invested.”

— Gloria Garcia Cisneros, Wealth Manager (CNBC)

“We just don't know how deep and long this conflict will take. So we're taking some chips off the table and hunkering down a little.”

— Kaleialoha Cadinha-Pua'a, CEO and Chief Investment Officer (CNBC)

“Moving 100% to cash may feel safe, but it introduces interest rate risk, inflation risk, and opportunity cost. There is no risk-free option. Even being too conservative is a risk. You run the risk of outliving your money.”

— Valerie Rivera, CFP and Founder (Email)

What’s next

Consistent saving and investing, regular retirement contributions, and working with professional guidance are smart courses of action, many advisors say.

The takeaway

In the face of market uncertainty due to the Iran war, financial advisors emphasize the importance of diversification, short-term cash management, and long-term planning to help investors weather the volatility and find stability.