No one can predict the stock market, but we can guarantee that prices will rise and fall over the years. And during those declines, it is important to stay calm.
Here is a scenario you will probably experience as an investor.
You have been investing for a while and prices move along quietly. But then suddenly, because of events in the world, politics or the economy, stock prices drop sharply (this is called a correction). You get shocked and think: “There goes my money. Selling quickly might be the best thing.” If something is structurally wrong with a company you invest in, this can be a well‑considered investment decision. Companies can go bankrupt and then, as an investor, you often lose your money.
But if all stock prices drop at the same time, it might be wiser to try to control your emotions. Realise that strong price movements are simply part of investing. Staying put can sometimes be better. It can even pay off to buy extra investments, because lower prices mean you buy more cheaply. It depends on what you feel comfortable with and whether your finances allow you to invest more.
Experience shows that many prices recover sooner or later. So do not be impatient and maybe avoid checking prices if it gives you an uncomfortable feeling to see “another day in the red”.
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"right","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0e218fbc-7d97-4ed8-86ee-2dbddb395d92/meditatingmanwithcats","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/72065dcf79bdcdb2/original/meditatingmanwithcats.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Watch our videos"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"We even made a video series about this, called The four keys to successful investing. In four stop‑motion videos we explain why being patient usually pays off. There are already plenty of open doors about investing, but which secrets are behind the closed doors?
And if you still do not feel reassured, we also have a video podcast with Bob Homan, Head of the ING Investment Office. He explains why it is wise to stay invested and why it can even be useful to buy more.
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Not yet an investor with ING? See how to open an investment account with our ready‑made solution Easy Invest. Prefer to buy and sell instruments yourself? Then look at Self Invest.
Want to quickly calculate what investing could bring you? Use our handy calculator!
Still want to brush up your investment knowledge first? The ING Investing Starter Kit is always available for you.
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Investments that contribute to environmental or social goals can be part of our investment services Portfolio Management and Easy Invest. However, their aim is not only to invest in such investments, because investing in financially attractive companies is also important. For more information about the ING Sustainable Investing policy, go to ing.nl/ESG.
*This translation is intended for the customer’s convenience only. In the event of any inconsistency between the English translation and the original Dutch version, the original Dutch version shall prevail.
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