Tuning Out The Static
CRAIG LOKEN, ASSOCIATE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
If your kitchen sounds anything like mine during the holidays—pots banging, football blaring, everyone talking over each other—you know how easy it is to miss the one signal that truly matters: the timer that says the turkey’s ready.
That’s how investing feels too. Markets are always buzzing with headlines and hot takes, but only a few sounds are worth tuning in to.
The Cost of Chasing Noise
It’s tempting to react when the market drops or when a new “can’t-miss” stock makes headlines. But reacting to every bit of noise can often cause more harm than good. The investors who stay patient through the chaos tend to come out ahead.
History shows it doesn’t take much to throw results off course. If you were to consider a portfolio invested in an S&P500 index fund over the past 20 years, missing just the market’s 10 best days could cut your return nearly in half. Miss 20 or 30 of those days and the difference becomes even more eye-opening. And the catch? Those “best days” often show up right after the worst ones—when nerves are highest.
That’s why staying invested matters more than perfect timing. It’s about patience—knowing when to tune out the noise and trust the process.
What’s Actually Worth Listening For
The things that truly deserve your attention are bigger, slower shifts—like changes to interest rates, tax laws, or retirement plan rules. They don’t happen every week, but they can shape your financial future for decades.
A good test is to ask: Will this still matter when we sit down for next year’s holiday dinner?
If not, it’s probably just noise.
Staying in Rhythm
Long-term success isn’t about chasing every story; it’s about steady progress. That means: Keeping contributions consistent, especially after a raise or big life event. Making sure your investments still match your goals and comfort for risk . Checking that beneficiaries and employer matches are up to date.
These simple check-ins don’t make headlines—but they’re what keep your plan on track while everyone else is chasing the next hot take.
The Bottom Line
Your retirement doesn’t need every market update or TV alert. It needs patience, discipline, and a focus on what really moves the needle.
So, this holiday season, when the kitchen gets loud and life feels busy, remember: tuning out the static isn’t ignoring the world—it’s just keeping your ear on the timer that actually matters.