Another Year the Stock Market Defied the Headlines

As we reach the end of 2024, financial advisers have much to reflect on and celebrate.

Global equity portfolios (year to date) have delivered returns of between 20% and 25% despite a backdrop of world events that may have swayed less disciplined investors to abandon ship. From ongoing wars to the emergence of new conflicts, alongside UK and US elections dominating the news, 2024 has served up plenty of uncertainty.

Yet, once again, the stock market (the great companies we use every day) has reminded us of an essential truth: it operates independently of the daily noise. They’re real companies, selling real things, to real people.

In an environment with as much uncertainty as this year, the ability of financial advisers to anchor themselves and their clients to a well-thought-out, long-term plan has been crucial.

This year is a testament to the power of staying the course.

Celebrating Discipline

For many clients, 2024 may have felt emotionally turbulent. Negative headlines can make it easy to assume that financial markets will inevitably suffer. However, as advisers, we understand the stock market’s resilience and capacity to price in events more efficiently than we often give it credit for. Our role is to counterbalance fear with perspective, ensuring that the families we serve remain disciplined and focused on the bigger picture.

Staying invested meant that our clients not only avoided the costs of emotional decision-making but also reaped the rewards of a remarkably strong market year. The patience and discipline that we, as financial professionals, instil in our clients is invaluable.

Recognising the Wins

Now is the perfect time to take stock of what we’ve collectively achieved. Keeping client families invested and focused through the noise has delivered exceptional results—not just in terms of returns, but in the peace of mind that comes from knowing their financial plans are on track.

We should also take a moment to appreciate the work we’ve done. It’s not always easy to hold steady in uncertain times, but our ability to do so has given our clients one of the best gifts possible: financial peace of mind.

Looking Ahead

It’s important for us to remember a timeless truth: markets are unpredictable and unknowable in the short term but remarkably consistent over the long term.

As we move into 2025, let’s continue to focus on what we can control—maintaining robust financial plans, encouraging disciplined investing, and reminding our clients that staying in their seats is often the hardest yet most rewarding decision they’ll make.

With two years of great returns now behind us, let’s help our clients to maintain realistic expectations, be prepared for temporary declines, and to stay focused on the long term at all times.

Here’s to another year of doing what we do best: helping families achieve their financial goals, no matter the headlines.