Ongoing global tensions can create uncertainty across financial markets, and it's natural for investors to wonder what this means for their money.
Market volatility refers to the ups and downs in investment values as markets respond to economic news, global events and investor sentiment. Because the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme and ASB Investment Funds are invested in financial markets in New Zealand and around the world, this means balances can move up or down from day to day - sometimes more noticeably during periods of uncertainty. While this can feel unsettling, volatility is a normal part of investing.
When markets are volatile, it can help to focus on a few core investing principles. These three tips can help guide your decisions before making any changes to your KiwiSaver fund or investment strategy.
Stay the course
Seeing your balance fluctuate can be unsettling, but these ups and downs are a normal part of how markets work. Reacting to short-term movements can mean locking in losses and missing the recovery that often follows.
It's important to stay focused on the long term.
Your goals and timeframe matter
It's important to consider your investment goals, timeframe and comfort with risk. Investors with long investment timeframes, who don't need access to their KiwiSaver or investments anytime soon, can usually ride out market ups and downs. As you get closer to using your money, a more stable approach can make sense.
If you don't have an immediate need, keep your bigger picture in mind. Short-term market swings are unlikely to change your long-term objectives
Temporary dips can actually be good news
Continuing to invest during market downturns means you're buying at lower prices, allowing you to buy more units for the same amount of money. As markets recover over time, these bargain buys can boost your overall returns.
Trust the experts and seek advice.
Our investment specialists actively monitor global markets and work with our global partner BlackRock to navigate changing conditions.
If you're concerned about how current events may affect your investments, it can help to talk it through with an ASB expert. They can help you understand what's happening and make sure your investments remain aligned with your goals.
Even in uncertain times, a disciplined long-term approach remains one of the most powerful ways to protect and continue growing your wealth.
When you invest in KiwiSaver or Investment Funds, your money is used to buy units in a managed fund which invests in financial markets in New Zealand and around the world. During periods of volatility, the number of units you own doesn't change, but their value can rise or fall, causing your balance to fluctuate.
It's similar to owning a share in a property - the value may move up or down over time, but your share of ownership stays the same. These short‑term fluctuations are a normal part of investing, and markets have historically recovered over time.
Market downturns can vary in length and it's impossible to predict exactly how long volatility will last. What history consistently shows is that markets move in cycles. While there may be periods of decline, they have historically been followed by periods of recovery and growth.
For long-term investors, staying focused on your goals rather than short-term movements can help you navigate these cycles more confidently.
Making changes during periods of volatility can sometimes lock in losses and mean missing the recovery that often follows. Lower-risk funds can also mean reducing your exposure to growth assets (like shares) and your chance to participate in a recovery after market volatility has subsided.
Before switching funds, it's important to consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and timeframe. If you're investing for the long term, short-term market movements may have less impact on your overall outcome.
During market downturns it can be tempting to pause contributions, but continuing to invest regularly can actually work in your favour.
When markets fall, the same contribution can buy more investment units. Over time, this can help lower the average cost of your investments and support long-term growth.
Investing is generally a long-term way to grow wealth. While markets can move up and down in the short term, history shows that staying invested and giving your money time to grow has often delivered strong outcomes over time.
There's rarely a "perfect" time to start investing. Waiting for markets to feel certain can sometimes mean missing opportunities to grow your money. For many people, starting to invest - and continuing to invest regularly - can be more effective than holding onto cash and waiting on the sidelines.
If you're considering investing, it's important to think about your goals, timeframe and comfort with risk.
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Interests in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme and ASB Investment Funds (Schemes) are issued by ASB Group Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASB Bank Limited (ASB). ASB provides administration and distribution services for the Schemes. No person guarantees interests in the Schemes. Interests in the Schemes are not deposits or other liabilities of ASB. They are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of income and principal invested. For more information see the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Product Disclosure Statement or the ASB Investment Funds Product Disclosure Statement available from this website and the register of offers of financial products at www.disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz (search for ASB).