Keep calm and carry on is a message we’ve been conveying a lot during the first half of 2026.
Market volatility, fuelled by the war in Iran, rising oil prices, and multiple other economic concerns, has featured in many client conversations.
The good news is that, despite the uncertain economic background, people aren’t shying away from investing for the future. In fact, people in the US are saving at record levels, according to Fidelity’s Q1 2026 retirement analysis.
It can be tempting to adjust the amount you’re saving during periods of volatility, particularly when increasing costs of living could hamper your ability to save, so this is welcome news indeed – here’s why.
The value of taking a long-term view of your retirement plan
Historically, the longer you hold your investments, the higher your chances of enjoying positive returns.
If you need more convincing, Schroders analysed 148 years of data to prove the point.
Analysing almost 150 years of data on the S&P 500, researchers found that if you invested for a single month, you would have lost money around 40% of the time – 704 times over 1,790 months.
Meanwhile, with investments held for 12 months at a time, you’d have lost roughly 30% of the time – but 12 months is still considered a very short investment horizon.
For investments held over 5- and 10-year periods over the same timeframe, the chance of losing money falls further still.
Add to this data from J.P. Morgan that compares the returns of a portfolio made up of 60% stocks and 40% bonds to holding cash in one- and three-year investments after stock market shocks since 1990 – including the Gulf War, 9/11, Brexit, and the Covid pandemic.
The 60/40 portfolios outperformed cash 70% of the time, despite 11 major global events which caused significant stock market volatility.
While past performance can’t guarantee future returns, data shows that holding your investments over the long term could increase the likelihood of enjoying positive returns.
How working with a financial planner could help provide reassurance and a comfortable retirement
Whether your retirement is still some way off or fast approaching, we can help you save and plan for the lifestyle you want to enjoy.
From helping you to define your long-term goals to navigating periods of stock market volatility, we will be there to support you throughout your financial journey.
Having an experienced financial planner who understands you, your investments, and your financial goals can help ensure you’re able to afford the retirement you want.
4 ways an experienced Alexander Peter adviser could help you
1. Ensuring you make the most of tax-efficient saving opportunities
While tax efficiency isn’t the sole reason to invest, it’s often one of the top priorities when looking at opportunities to save towards achieving your goals and objectives.
Your location will determine what options you have, which is why we have experts with years of experience in both the UK and overseas.
2. Assessing whether pension consolidation could reduce charges and administrative headaches
Consolidating multiple pensions into a single plan can give you more control and make it easier to plan your retirement income. As well as reducing admin, you may find you also save money on fees and charges. Plus, merging your pensions could save you time and make it simpler to check that you remain on course to achieve your retirement goals.
Read more: How consolidating your pension savings could help you achieve your long-term financial goals
3. Enabling you to visualise your financial future with cashflow modelling
We’ll use cashflow modelling software to help you determine if you’re on track to achieve your financial goals. Gaining a glimpse into your financial future could allow an opportunity to prepare for whatever life might throw your way. Together, we can use the detailed information to help you make informed financial decisions with confidence.
Read more: How cashflow modelling can help boost your confidence and bolster your financial plan
4. Supporting you in planning a sustainable income throughout your retirement.
The most efficient retirement income strategy should be planned well in advance.
When you retire, you will often have a range of choices available to you about how you take your income. While you may consider your pension as the foundation of your retirement plan, if you have other income that uses your tax allowances, it may be wiser to spend this money and delay drawing on your pension.
Get in touch
To find out more about how we could help you save for a comfortable retirement and structure a tax-efficient income once you’re no longer working, please get in touch.
Email enquiries@alexanderpeter.com or give us a call on +44 1689 493455.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate cashflow planning or tax planning.
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