January 23, 2026: US-Greenland and Holding Through Volatility

Over the past week, President Trump threatened tariffs on 8 EU countries over his proposal to take over Greenland. US stocks were down about 2% in a single day depending on which index you follow. Treasury interest rates spiked in response. These threats have been walked back in the very same week and markets rallied and stocks rebounded while treasury interest rates dropped.

I enjoy using aphorisms to make my point. I have two to share in this newsletter.

“Investing isn’t about avoiding pain. Investing is about enduring pain.”

A colleague shared this with me when clients were nervous about market volatility. If you are investing for retirement, your children’s’ education, or any long-term goal then you will experience market volatility. If you are invested in the market your portfolio value will fluctuate - this is one guarantee I can make.

This quote always reminds (and I use it with clients) to put into perspective what investing really means. Investing involves risk and there is no way to capture the upside without experience the downside.

If volatility is making it difficult to eat, sleep, focus, and enjoy life then I do recommend talking with your advisor about making a change. Some people have a risk tolerance lower than others and there’s nothing wrong with that, but understand that regardless of your investment allocation you will be taking risks to achieve a return.

“Don’t just do something, stand there!”

This is a funny reversal of, “Don’t just stand there, do something!” that can offer  practical advice during market volatility.

Investors may feel like they need to take action because they read a terrifying news headline (war, famine, disease, political upheaval) or listened to their friend talk about their huge investment gains (they never talk about their losses, by the way).

If this happens to you, please take a moment to reflect on your current situation and your financial plan. Pause and think about what you are feeling and what might be the prudent (not expedient) action to take. In my firm, the financial plan outcomes are tested for market volatility and poor investment returns to give us confidence that we’re on the right path. We know that volatility will happen. A good financial plan will account for volatility and be prepared to show the impact on achieving your goals. Talk with your advisor before making drastic changes.

This isn’t to say to never make changes. A financial plan is a living, breathing concept. Make sure that the changes you’re making are fully understood and they work to serve  achieving your goals.