With the current volatility of the geo-political environment, I wanted to take a moment or two to provide some perspective on the scary situation in Ukraine and what could happen in markets.
The invasion of Ukraine is a serious and scary escalation in tensions between Russia, Europe, and the United States.
Before we dive in
Let’s take a moment to think about the folks who are suffering and dying as well as the ordinary Russians who will suffer from sanctions, instability, and economic damage.
Let’s hope and pray that diplomacy can end this crisis for all our sakes.
What are some possible implications for markets and our economy?
Given Ukraine’s critical pipelines and Western sanctions on Russia, the crisis may lead to higher energy prices, which will trickle down to higher pump and heating fuel costs.1 Sustained price increases could hamper the Federal Reserve’s effort to control inflation, so we’re keeping an eye on that as well.
What could happen in markets?
Extreme volatility, as we’ve already seen so far, is very likely. Another correction or even a bear market is definitely possible. HOWEVER, history shows that stocks usually recover quickly from geopolitical crises.
I’ll add a disclaimer that the future doesn’t perfectly match the past — but it often rhymes. Let’s take a look at some examples from other invasions and wars:
Here’s the key takeaway:
short-term, markets usually react badly. However, a year later, markets have historically recovered. Will they always? In every case? That’s impossible to say. But the larger study of 29 geopolitical events since WWII shows a general trend toward short-term losses within the first month and longer-term gains.2
“Geopolitical event” is a very antiseptic phrase for things like bombings, wars, invasions, and other horrific attacks, and really fails to encompass the full cost in human misery.
The bottom line is that we never know what happens next in these situations. We can hope, pray, donate, and speak out.
What we can do:
We can focus on what’s in our control: Ourselves, our actions and reactions, and our strategies for uncertain times.
Looking ahead, we can expect more volatility, more down days, and possibly even a bear market in some areas. Having a long-term outlook and a sound financial plan definitely helps in times like these.
Let’s hug the people we love extra tightly today.
Best Regards,
Bill
Simonet Financial Group, LLC
[email protected]
Phone: (512) 296-8962
1https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/business/oil-prices-russia-ukraine.html
2 https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/live-markets-what-history-says-about-geopolitics-market-2022-02-18/
