Expert Urges Patience Amid Stock Market Volatility

Overseas conflict causing swings, but signs of leveling out as ceasefire takes hold

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:43pm

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An extreme close-up of gears, levers, and other heavy industrial machinery, representing the complex financial infrastructure that powers global markets and the economy.As overseas conflicts disrupt global supply chains, the inner workings of the financial system are laid bare, underscoring the need for stability and resilience.Abilene Today

The stock market has seen sharp ups and downs recently due to uncertainty over the conflict between Iran and other nations, impacting everything from gas prices to global shipping. An Abilene Christian University finance professor advises investors to remain patient and avoid making emotional decisions, as the market is likely to stabilize as commerce resumes with a temporary ceasefire in place.

Why it matters

The volatility in the stock market is causing concern for many investors, but experts say it's important to stay calm and not make hasty decisions that could do more harm than good. The professor's advice highlights the importance of having a long-term investment strategy and not getting caught up in short-term market swings.

The details

The stock market has seen sharp ups and downs in the past two weeks due to uncertainty over the conflict between Iran and other nations. This has impacted everything from gas prices, which spiked but have since come down, to global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, with a temporary ceasefire now in place, there are signs the market could start to level out as commerce resumes.

  • In the last two weeks, the market has seen a lot of ups and downs.
  • Yesterday, gas prices went down $0.40 per gallon.

The players

Jody Jones

An associate professor of finance at Abilene Christian University who advises students on investing.

Abilene Christian University

A private Christian university where Jones teaches finance and oversees a student-managed $5 million endowment investment portfolio.

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What they’re saying

“Volatility is like a roller coaster. Some people really like riding it, and some people, it makes them sick. Any time that the market shuts down, people grab hold. It's just like a roller coaster. The same thing happens when it shoots up, but they tend to be happy.”

— Jody Jones, Associate Professor of Finance

“The biggest mistake that people make is when volatility happens and the market goes down, they sell their assets and then they wait for it to start to go back up. They buy high and they sell low. The first rule of investing is to buy low and sell high. Fear makes you do things that are irrational.”

— Jody Jones, Associate Professor of Finance

What’s next

As long as commerce continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz with the temporary ceasefire in place, the uncertainty in the market is expected to decrease, allowing it to start leveling out.

The takeaway

This period of stock market volatility highlights the importance of having a long-term investment strategy and not making emotional decisions based on short-term market swings. Experts advise investors to remain patient and work with financial advisors they trust to navigate uncertain times.