Experts Advise Against Panic Investing Amid Iran Tensions

Financial advisor Christine Benz shares tips for weathering market volatility

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As tensions with Iran escalate and the stock market reacts, financial experts are urging investors to avoid making fear-driven trades. Christine Benz of Morningstar advises sticking to a long-term investment strategy and not overreacting to short-term news events. She provides guidance for investors of different age groups on how to approach the current market conditions.

Why it matters

Geopolitical conflicts can cause significant market volatility, leading some investors to make rash decisions out of fear. However, history shows that those who stay the course and maintain a disciplined investment strategy tend to fare better in the long run. This advice is particularly relevant as tensions with Iran continue to shake global markets.

The details

Benz recommends that most investors avoid making changes to their portfolios in response to current events. She suggests using an investment policy statement to outline goals and asset allocation, and reviewing the portfolio on a regular, predetermined schedule rather than reacting to market swings. For younger investors, she advises sticking with a stock-heavy portfolio or using a target-date fund. For those in their 40s and 50s, she recommends maxing out retirement contributions and gradually reducing risk as retirement approaches. And for retirees, she suggests holding a 'bulwark' of safe assets like cash and high-quality bonds to cover several years of anticipated withdrawals.

  • On March 4, 2026, the first trading day after the decision to strike Iran, President Trump discussed White House decor and his 'spectacular' and 'most beautiful ballroom.'

The players

Christine Benz

Director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar, and author of 'How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement.'

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who discussed White House decor and his 'spectacular' and 'most beautiful ballroom' on the first trading day after deciding to strike Iran.

Kevin Bahr

Chief analyst with the Center for Business and Economic Insight at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.

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What they’re saying

“One of the biggest traps investors can fall into is using current events to drive their investment strategies. They often overreact to news of geopolitical strife and make changes that they later regret.”

— Christine Benz, Director of personal finance and retirement planning, Morningstar

“Market volatility is your friend, so increase your contributions when stocks are down if you have the funds to put to work, and also plan to boost your contributions when you get a raise.”

— Christine Benz, Director of personal finance and retirement planning, Morningstar

“In 2025, the S&P 500 returned 16 percent but still lagged several foreign stock markets, neighboring Canada and Mexico posted returns of 29 percent and 25 percent, respectively.”

— Kevin Bahr, Chief analyst, Center for Business and Economic Insight, University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point (Blog post)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.