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Trevor A. Farrington, LUTCF®, RICP®

Regional Vice President

Financial Advisor

 

Equitable Advisors, LLC

93 Worcester Street, Suite 103

Wellesley, MA 02481

 

Phone: 617-407-2684

 

Email: trevor.farrington@equitable.com

July/August 2026

Facing Volatile Stock Markets

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After experiencing a significant loss in a particular stock or sector, an investor might become overly risk averse. The pain from the loss distorts their future decisions. Instead of evaluating opportunities logically, they steer clear of anything that reminds them of the investment that caused the pain.


Be wary of this psychological defense
If you've recently experienced major losses in a specific stock or sector, it's normal to feel a bit shaken. You're not alone. Many investors deal with the emotional impact of such downturns. However, allowing those tough experiences to influence your future choices can hinder your financial progress.


After a rough patch, it's common to become overly cautious. You might find yourself avoiding investments that even slightly resemble what caused your initial loss. This psychological defense can lead to missed opportunities. Markets are all about movement, and while it's wise to be careful, being excessively risk-averse can prevent you from making smart investments.


A better course of action
If you're feeling hurt by a stock loss (real or on paper), your best course of action is to step back and reassess. Remove your emotions from the equation. Look at the markets objectively. What you need to realize is that the investment landscape is always changing. Just because one sector took a hit doesn't mean it's doomed forever. Conduct research and consider how other companies handle similar challenges.


Approach new opportunities with an open mind. Instead of putting all your bets on a single area, consider diversifying your portfolio—if you haven't already—to include different sectors. That way, if one area encounters volatility, you have other investments to rely on.


Look before you leap
Instead of avoiding an entire investment sector or stock altogether, review your investment goals. Does your strategy need to change going forward, or are you reacting out of fear? Evaluate opportunities fairly and rationally with your advisor, and remember that the market is cyclical. By keeping your emotions in check and focusing on sound strategies, you can navigate volatile markets more confidently.


*Asset allocation won't guarantee a profit or ensure against a loss but may help reduce volatility in your portfolio.

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Duly registered and licensed financial professionals offer securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA,SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN), offer investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, and offer annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC in Ut; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.). Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V. Equitable Advisors and its associates and affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal adviceor services. Representatives may transact business, which includes offering products and services and/or responding to inquiries, only in state(s) in which they are properly registered and/or licensed. Your connection to this website does not necessarily indicate that the sender is able to transact business in your state. The information in this website is not investment or securities advice and does not constitute an offer. For more information about Equitable Advisors, LLC you may visit https://equitable.com/crs to review the firm's Relationship Summary for Retail Investors and General Conflicts of Interest Disclosure.

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