Investing in volatile markets

MISSY FRIGAARD: Let's face it. We've seen a lot of ups and downs in the market in recent years. And, of course, you want to protect your money, so is investing during volatility really a good idea? The truth is nobody knows the perfect time to invest. That's because the market is always changing from up to down and back again. So one of the most important things to keep in mind is that investing is generally a long-term activity.

Have a look at this. The chart on the screen shows the growth of $10,000 based on the S&P 500 index performance. (Chart caption: Chart shows the growth of a $10,000 investment with minor fluctuations from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2021, with ending account value of $43,303.) Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, we believe looking at the market's overall resiliency through several major crises and events helps gain a fresh perspective on the advantages for the long-term. The average annual total return for the S&P 500 index for the period shown in the chart is 11%.

If you think long-term, you don't have to worry about trying to find the right time to start. Instead, build your investment strategy around when you'll need the money and whether you're investing for the long-term. This helps you ride out the fluctuations and gives you more time to potentially grow and recover from a loss. And, of course, make sure your investments are diversified. You know what they say about having all of your eggs in one basket.

One way to help achieve all of this is through Automated Investor from U.S. Bancorp Investments. When you open an Automated Investor account, you first detail your timeframe, goals, and how much risk you're comfortable with. Based on your preferences, Automated Investor selects a mix of investments across several asset groups, which can help reduce concentration risk. Your account will also adjust based on how the market changes. It will buy and sell assets to help keep you on track toward your goal.

And you don't have to do a thing. While there's always going to be risk when you invest, you can invest confidently knowing that your account is set up with your preferences in mind. Along your investment journey, if you ever have questions about setting up an account or investing in general, you have access to a team of investment professionals that are just a phone call away. Learn more about Automated Investor and how to open an account at usbank.com/automatedinvestor.