In today’s information-overloaded world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of financial advice – much of which can be misleading or outright incorrect. Financial Detox cuts through that noise, providing clear, actionable insights to help you make better financial decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

As we enter the second quarter of 2025, investor sentiment has become increasingly fragile. Volatility has resurfaced, headlines are dominated by geopolitical uncertainty and policy shifts, and many are wondering whether now is the time to act – or wait.

At IDA Wealth, we believe moments like these underscore the value of measured decision-making. While market corrections are never comfortable, they are not abnormal. In fact, they are part of the long-term rhythm of investing.

We offer the following perspective not to minimize today’s concerns, but to place them in context – a critical step in maintaining discipline and clarity.

Perspective from the Past: Markets Have Seen Worse – and Recovered Stronger

A review of market history reveals that drawdowns are not anomalies. Intra-year declines in the S&P 500 have averaged roughly 14% since 1980. Yet, in most of those years, the market finished in positive territory.

Put plainly: volatility and progress are not mutually exclusive.

Even in the face of serious events – the dot-com crash, the Global Financial Crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic – markets demonstrated resilience. Those who stayed invested were rewarded not for perfect timing, but for disciplined patience.

Probability of Positive Returns S&P 500 Index – Since 1937

Economic Fundamentals Remain More Constructive Than the Headlines Suggest

Despite the noise, the core of the U.S. economy remains resilient:

• Unemployment remains near historic lows, even with recent softness in certain sectors.
• Corporate earnings have surprised to the upside in key industries, particularly healthcare, energy, and industrials.
• Consumer spending, while showing some signs of fatigue, continues to hold up better than expected.
• Inflation, though elevated in 2022 and 2023, has largely moderated—providing the Federal Reserve more flexibility in its policy path.

It is easy to assume that every dip in the market reflects a structural weakness in the economy. In truth, many corrections reflect recalibration – shifting expectations, interest rate adjustments, or headline-driven sentiment swings.

The Trump Tariff Narrative: Familiar Territory

Recent volatility has, in part, been reignited by the prospect of renewed trade restrictions and tariffs. While this is understandably concerning, history provides a guide. During Trump’s first term, similar tariff implementations caused short-term market disruptions, yet broad indices ultimately climbed higher.

It’s worth noting: markets tend to price in worst-case scenarios quickly – often overshooting to the downside. But over time, actual outcomes tend to be more measured than initially feared.

Growth of $10K Invested in the S&P 500 Index: 12/31/79 – 12/31/24

How We Are Positioning Portfolios

At IDA Wealth, we do not rely on market forecasts or chase headlines. Instead, we remain committed to principles that have proven effective across cycles:

• Diversification across asset classes, geographies, and strategies.
• Rebalancing through structured tolerance bands to maintain risk alignment.
• Active consideration of alternative assets, which may offer uncorrelated returns when traditional assets move in tandem.
• Tax-sensitive positioning, particularly in non-qualified accounts, to help preserve after-tax wealth.

Most importantly, we tailor all guidance to your long-term goals, not short-term predictions.

A Final Thought: The Cost of Reacting

In volatile markets, the instinct to “do something” is strong. But history shows that attempting to time the market – jumping out and trying to jump back in – often leads to missed opportunities.

Consider this: missing just the 10 best days in the market over the last 40 years would have reduced total returns by more than 50%. And more often than not, the best days come shortly after the worst.

The wiser path is rarely the most reactive. It’s the most disciplined.

We’re Here – To Talk, To Listen, To Guide

We recognize that uncertainty can feel personal. If you have questions, doubts, or simply want to revisit your financial plan, we welcome the conversation. Your plan was designed for times like this – not just the smooth markets, but the turbulent ones too.

Markets will fluctuate. That’s their nature. Our role is to ensure that your plan stays focused on the destination – not distracted by the weather.