Investing in the Wake of COVID-19

Intro

By now, there’s a good chance that the recent market downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has left you questioning your investment strategy. In fact, there’s a good chance that you lost a good chunk of change during the rapid sell-offs in early-mid March. But now that the sudden onset of this downturn has passed, it’s time to thoughtfully reevaluate your investing plans in the wake of COVID-19.

Don’t Panic

Before making plans to make any fresh investments, take heed of the immortal words on the front of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – don’t panic. One of the biggest mistakes you can make at a time like this is to let your emotions get the best of you, leading you to further loses. There’s no doubt that we all want to take some action to counter the new bear market. But at times like this, remaining calm and focused on long-term investment goals can help you come out in the black.

Evaluate the Field

Now that you have your head in the right place, you can begin to reevaluate the investment field as it stands. Almost across the board, many major industries are struggling to remain profitable when their customers are out of a job and required by law to stay home. But therein lies a potential opportunity for you to make plans for a near-term investment.

In other words, your first plan of action should include investments in businesses that are set to grow (or at least remain stable) during this downturn. A prime example (no pun intended) is Amazon, whose services are being used now more than ever as more folks are opting to order essentials online rather than going to a store. Another worthwhile example is Blue Apron, whose stock has shot up in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis due to a consumer preference for delivered meal kits.

At the same time, remember that volatility is the dish of the day right now. Any investment you choose to make might be whipped out suddenly by a change in circumstances. Choosing to minimize your investments at this time wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially if you only have limited capital to work with.

Remember Keys to Investing in Bear Market

If you’ve been in the investment game for the past decade, then you likely picked up some experience during the last major bear market. Now would be a good time to put those learned lessons into practice. For example, while the uncertainty about COVID-19 continues, you should avoid trying to time the market. Instead, if you choose to invest, do so at a set time that includes a pre-established exit strategy.

Also, if you’re feeling a little skittish about the stock market, now might be a good time to invest in bonds. Generally speaking, they are less volatile and can help you establish a more consistent income during these trying times. Municipal bonds in particular can be productive at this time, given that their interest is often exempt from state and federal taxes.

This Too Shall Pass

In the end, it may bring peace to your mind to recall the old Persian adage, “this too shall pass.” Because inevitably, the stock market will recover, and you’ll have fresh opportunities to invest in due time. It isn’t clear how long it will take to get back to that normal status, however, especially as we stand in the midst of state-by-state shelter-in-place orders.

So, for now, the best actions you can take when investing in the wake of COVID-19 is to keep a level head and focus how you can make the best of a bad situation.