Patience, Not Panic, for Long-Term Financial Security

9. Avoid Panic Selling

While selling off during stock market volatility is common, experts agree that it’s a huge mistake. Investment strategists note that the worst days for stocks generally give way to the best days. During past bear markets, investors lost an average of 35% but typically recouped their losses within two years, according to Suze Orman. Researching data going back to 1930, Bank of America analysts discovered that investors who missed the S&P 500’s ten highest days in each decade lost out significantly. Their total returns would amount to 91%, compared to the 14,962% return for those who stayed in the market through the setbacks.