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Despite a rollercoaster ride for the S&P 500 in October, financial advisors are overwhelmingly urging clients to stay the course and keep their current asset allocation intact, according to new survey results from Ariel Investments.
More than eight in 10 advisors surveyed are encouraging clients to stick to their investment plan. While 7% see the recent market volatility as a buying opportunity and advise adding to equity exposure, 10% are advising clients to trim equity exposure.
"During the financial crisis of 10 years ago, those that remained invested in stocks and did not panic as markets became more turbulent, were generally handsomely rewarded for their conviction and patience," Charlie Bobrinskoy, head of investment group and portfolio manager at Ariel Investments, said in a statement. "It is encouraging to see that advisors and their clients acknowledge this and are sticking with their investment plans, despite the recent surge in volatility."
According to the survey, investors are largely heeding the advice of their advisors despite mounting concerns of another market downturn.
Nearly three-quarters (70%) of clients are telling their advisors that they are concerned about recent market volatility, but willing to keep their asset allocation intact, according to the advisors surveyed. Additionally, 9% of investors tell their advisors they view the recent market volatility as a buying opportunity and want to add equities to their portfolios.
