Why Staying the Course Matters

By Fairport Wealth

“The key to success is emotional discipline.”
– Warren Buffet

Every so often, something happens that shakes up the financial markets. We’ve seen it when the tech bubble burst in the early 2000s, the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 market panic in March 2020, and more recently, volatility sparked by President Trump’s tariffs.

Why Staying the Course Matters

For many investors, the knee-jerk reaction during times of uncertainty is to exit the market before things get worse. However, history has shown that accurately timing the market is incredibly difficult—you need to predict not only the right moment to get out, but also the precise time to re-enter.

On average, investors who attempt to time the market tend to earn lower returns over time than those who remain invested and focused on their long-term goals. Maintaining a disciplined approach often proves to be the most effective strategy in the face of market turbulence.

Impact of Missing the Best Days in the Market

Source: JP Morgan, all data as of 9/1/2025

The chart above shows the average returns for a $10,000 portfolio invested in the S&P 500 on January 1, 2003, for a 20-year time period ending December 30, 2022. Over that period, the greatest returns were achieved by individuals who remained fully invested—because missing the best days in the market can be costly.

Building a Resilient Investment Portfolio

Fairport Wealth works with clients to create a diversified investment portfolio personalized to their investment objectives, timeframe, and goals—and that takes into account the potential for market volatility.

If you want to “keep calm and carry on” during the inevitable ups and downs of the financial markets, Fairport Wealth makes sure your long-term objectives are integral to your financial plan.

Not yet a Fairport Wealth client? Please contact us to learn how we can help you invest for the future and make sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter to be part of a community focused on empowering women and their families.

Fairport Wealth is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.

This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.

These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.

Click here for definitions of and disclosures specific to commonly used terms.

News & Insights