10 Ways to Talk to Clients in Volatile Markets

Related: How 10 Advisors Are Handling Market Volatility Now: Advisors' Advice

"The stock market goes up like an escalator and down like an elevator." Here's another one: "Never try to catch a falling knife." The stock market has plenty of platitudes. Each can be right or wrong depending when you hear them. Your client doesn't want to hear platitudes. They want practical advice. What can you tell them? You have a serious handicap — you can't predict the future. FYI: Here's what might happen if you try: If you were right, your client rationalizes (after the fact) that the outcome was obvious. If you were wrong, the client will remember and remind you forever. But you should have an opinion and you must offer advice. Your firm's strategists can give you information to have an opinion. Here are some suggestions for advice.