3 key tips to help investors beat volatile stock markets

Enduring volatility in the stock market can be a painful experience. Yet these simple steps can go a long way towards protecting wealth.

| More on:

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Volatility has been a recurring stock market theme over the last couple of years. First the pandemic came along, followed by inflation. Today, economic conditions are improving. Yet higher interest rates, political uncertainty, and international conflicts are keeping investors on edge.

However, while navigating volatile markets can be frustrating, it also can create some exciting opportunities. And if executed correctly, investors can use these price fluctuations to supercharge their long-term returns.

Capitalise, diversify, defend

In the short term, stock markets can be pretty erratic. Investors panicking to protect their wealth often send stocks into the gutter, including the good ones. We’ve seen this countless times where something goes wrong, and terrific companies that are unaffected still get sold off en masse.

It’s hardly a pleasant experience to endure, especially when these top-notch stocks are in my portfolio. However, taking a more ‘glass-half-full’ approach, these situations also create buying opportunities. After all, if the underlying business is still chugging along nicely, a falling stock price is like seeing a discounted special offer in the supermarket.

Being diversified is also quite prudent. By spreading capital across high-quality enterprises in different industries, the overall portfolio impact of one sector being the target of a sell off is minimised. That can make enduring volatile stock markets a bit easier while simultaneously protecting against prolonged cyclical downturns.

The last tactic is to hold firm. Despite the urge to take action when things go wrong, the best move is often to do nothing. Short-term challenges and threats come and go like the wind. However, a hallmark of a high-quality stock is being able to stand through such headwinds and continue to thrive in the long run.

So providing the underlying business doesn’t become compromised, holding through the storm may be the best move to protect wealth.

Looking at an example

Over the last couple of years, plenty of my stocks have been plagued with volatility. And a perfect example of this would be Warehouse REIT (LSE:WHR). The last-mile logistics landlord was thriving for years, piggybacking the tailwinds of e-commerce demand for order fulfilment. But since interest rates went through the roof, trouble landed in paradise.

Since the start of 2022, the stock price has tumbled almost 50% on the back of higher debt costs as well as falling property values. The group’s balance sheet looked healthy when interest rates were near zero. However, since they were aggressively hiked, Warehouse REIT’s leverage shot up, and management was forced to start selling properties to reduce its debt exposure.

That’s obviously problematic. And it’s not surprising for these shares to be hit hard, especially given the loss of love for the real estate sector in general.

However, despite the headaches, management’s handling of the situation appears to have worked. Only non-core assets were disposed of, raising £169.3m while fixing the cracks in the balance sheet. In the meantime, tenants have continued to pay rent with little delay, supplying the cash needed to maintain dividends.

With Warehouse REIT now back in property acquisition mode and the latest contract renewals delivering a 15.1% boost in rental income, the worst appears to be over, despite shares still trading at a massive discount. So personally, I’ll be capitalising on this volatility once I have more capital at hand.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Zaven Boyrazian has positions in Warehouse REIT Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Warehouse REIT Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Long-term vs short-term investing concept on a staircase
Investing Articles

As Shell’s share price continues to drift lower despite strong Q3 results, should I buy more?

Shell’s share price is down 14% from its one-year traded high, despite strong recent results, leaving the shares looking undervalued…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here are 2 of my favourite cheap shares to buy today

Harvey Jones is on the hunt for cheap shares and was surprised to discover these two big-name FTSE 100 stocks…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Where could the BT share price go in the next 12 months? Check out the latest forecasts

The BT share price has had a bumpy ride but has nevertheless attracted the attention of two famous billionaire investors.…

Read more »

Concept of two young professional men looking at a screen in a technological data centre
Investing Articles

This FTSE 250 share has surged 20% in a month. Its P/E is still just 3.3. So should I buy?

Our writer thinks this FTSE 250 stock remains enticing, with an ultra-low P/E ratio and an attractive yield. But why's…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Should I buy Aviva for its 7.8% yield now the share price is at 483p?

Despite recent share price volatility, Aviva is still cracking on as a business and pumping out chunky shareholder dividends.

Read more »

Young woman working at modern office. Technical price graph and indicator, red and green candlestick chart and stock trading computer screen background.
Investing Articles

This FTSE 100 tech share jumped 19% this morning! Here’s why

One leading tech share came roaring off the blocks in morning trading today in London. Our writer digs into the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Should I buy Sage Group as the share price jumps 20% on FY results?

The Sage Group share price had been going through a weak spell in 2024. But a results day surge has…

Read more »

Chalkboard representation of risk versus reward on a pair of scales
Growth Shares

10,000 or 6,000? Here’s where I think the stock market is heading in 2025

Jon Smith weighs up both sides of the argument as to where the stock market could head next year, along…

Read more »