May 26th 2020,
Your advisor’s added value in times of crisis
The work of Daniel Kahneman, 2002 Nobel Prize winner in Economics and Amos Tversky, both from the famous Chicago School of Behavioral Economics, have taught us that fundamentally every individual has a certain aversion for risk. But this idea needs to be confronted with a very simple observation. In 1980, the portion of the G.D.P. devoted worldwide to gambling activities was increasing while their winning expectation was negative.

It is therefore difficult to state that individuals avoid taking risks in all circumstances. The work of Kahneman and Tversky even demonstrated that individuals faced with complex choices take simplified rules to make their decisions. In the area of ​​investing, in times of crisis, this can lead to substantial losses.   

Investor behavioral graph in times of crisis

We are currently experiencing a period of great market volatility. A typical investor quickly shifts from optimism to runaway enthusiasm as the markets recover. He then reaches euphoria and invests massively without knowing if the markets have reached their peak or valley of financial risk.

If this is the case and if the markets start to fall again, he does as at the Casino: « Nothing bad there, my luck will change. » The markets continue to decrease, he panics, capitulates and becomes discouraged. He cashed his last chips without knowing if his luck was about to change.

By selling his investments in the off-peak, he is losing money and an opportunity to take advantage of the future peak of investment opportunities.

But how could he have known that the markets were going to recover?

The superior added value of advisers in times of crisis

Emotivity not to mention euphoria, often leads investors to make bad moves they will quickly regret.

Above all, do not listen to your brother-in-law, your neighbor or your typical Monday morning manager.

A financial advisor knows your short, medium and long term goals and always keeps a cool head when it comes the time to invest your money. He remains in close contact with fund managers and market behavior experts. He will help you avoid the pitfalls of financial risks and take advantage of investment opportunities.

Remember that humans faced with complex choices often use heuristics, that is, simplified rules to make their decisions. Or even soak up a feeling of omnipotence and say to themselves: « I’m going all in, I have confidence in my affairs. »

Our job as your advisor is to guide you safely through the peaks and valleys we are currently experiencing.

Please contact us if you have any questions or doubts.

Mauro DiCesare, B.Comm, Pl.FinPlanificateur Financier/Financial Planner 
Financial Security Advisor/Conseiller en Sécurité Financière avec Groupe Financier Finvest Inc.
Mutual Fund Representative/Représentant en épargne collective avec Investia Services Financiers Inc.
514-376-7771