The Saxo Market Volatility Handbook

How to stay calm when markets are not

Investing through uncertainty starts with clarity.

When markets turn turbulent, it’s easy to panic. That’s why Saxo is here to help you step back, refocus, and make confident, rational decisions. Our expert guides below offer timely guidance, long-term strategies, and tools to support both your portfolio — and your peace of mind.

Reclaim a rational mindset for volatile markets

Volatile markets don’t only test your portfolio — they test your perspective. In moments of stress, staying grounded and focused on long-term goals helps you respond with clarity rather than fear. This section offers guidance to help you steady your strategy and move forward with more confidence, no matter how noisy the market gets.

Diversification

Your first line of defense to strengthen your portfolio — even during market stress.

When markets are unsettled, diversification becomes more than a long-term principle — it becomes a practical way to reduce risk in the moment. By reviewing how your investments are spread across sectors, regions, and asset classes, you can limit overexposure and help cushion against further losses.

This section offers guidance on how to rebalance during volatility, understand correlation, and avoid concentration risks — so you can restore a sense of stability, even while the market is still moving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Consider reviewing your asset allocation. Diversification across different asset classes - stocks, ETFs, bonds, commodities, and cash - can help manage volatility. If short-term losses are causing stress, having some cash or defensive assets may provide balance. 
Every downturn is different, but historically, bear markets (a decline of 20% or more) last an average of 9-16 months. Corrections (declines of 10-20%) tend to be shorter. Markets tend to recover over time, but patience is key. But always remember, past performance is not guarantee of future performance.  
A downturn doesn’t necessarily signal a crisis but is often part of the normal market cycle. Selling in a downturn can lock in losses and prevent you from benefiting from a future recovery. If your investment thesis remains intact and you have a long-term horizon, staying invested is often a wise strategy. However, reassessing your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance is always a good practice. 
Market declines often present opportunities to buy quality assets at a discount. Look for strong companies with solid fundamentals, dividend stocks for income stability, or sectors that may be more resilient, such as healthcare and consumer staples. 
If you anticipate needing funds soon, it may be wise to keep an emergency reserve in cash or short-term fixed-income investments. Selling stocks in a downturn may not be ideal, so having a cash cushion can help you ride out volatility. 

There is always more to learn

None of the information provided on this website constitutes an offer, solicitation, or endorsement to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor is it financial, investment, or trading advice. Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd. (Saxo) and the Saxo Bank Group provides execution-only services, with all trades and investments based on self-directed decisions. Analysis, research, and educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice nor a recommendation. Access and use of this website is subject to: (i) the Terms of Use; (ii) the full Disclaimer; (iii) the Risk Warning; and (iv) any other notice or terms applying to Saxo’s news and research.

Saxo’s content may reflect the personal views of the author, which are subject to change without notice. Mentions of specific financial products are for illustrative purposes only and may serve to clarify financial literacy topics. Content classified as investment research is marketing material and does not meet legal requirements for independent research.

Before making any investment decisions, you should assess your own financial situation, needs, and objectives, and consider seeking independent professional advice. Saxo does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

Please refer to our full disclaimer for more details.

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