When Stock Markets Tumble, Patience Often Pays Off

Experts advise staying the course despite volatility caused by global events

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

When stock markets experience steep drops, it's natural for investors to want to protect their retirement savings. However, historically the U.S. stock market has recovered from every major decline, even those caused by global crises like wars or recessions. Experts recommend that as long as the money is not needed immediately, investors should try to be patient and ride out the market's swings, as moving investments out of stocks risks missing the recovery and further gains.

Why it matters

This story provides important perspective for investors, especially those new to the market, on how to approach volatile periods. It highlights the importance of maintaining a long-term outlook and not making rash decisions during temporary downturns, which can lead to missing out on the market's eventual recovery and future growth.

The details

The current volatility in the stock market is being driven by the ongoing war in Iran, which has disrupted global oil supply and sent prices soaring. This has caused the S&P 500 to fall for five straight weeks, its longest losing streak in nearly four years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite have both dropped more than 10% from their records, entering 'correction' territory. However, experts note that steep market declines followed by recoveries are a normal part of the market cycle and advise against making knee-jerk reactions to sell stocks.

  • The S&P 500 has just fallen to a fifth straight losing week, its longest such streak in nearly four years.
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite have both already dropped more than 10% from their own records.

The players

Ann Miletti

Head of equity investments at Allspring Global Investments.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I believe getting a correction is not a bad thing. In some ways, I feel like that is what keeps the market from having a bigger issue.”

— Ann Miletti, Head of equity investments

What’s next

Experts say it's difficult to time the market correctly, and some of the best days in the U.S. stock market's history have come during downturns. They recommend that investors, especially those with a long time horizon until retirement, should try to be patient and ride out the volatility.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective when investing in the stock market. While temporary downturns can be unsettling, history has shown that staying the course and avoiding rash decisions is often the best strategy for building wealth over time.