Stay calm. The markets are always going to be volatile.

As seen in The Oakland Press

February 15th, 2026

Stay calm. The markets are

always going to be volatile.

by Ken Morris

Recent data indicate that consumers are on the hunt for value. That includes everything from shopping at the supermarket to planning an exotic vacation. For the most part, shopping for groceries is not an emotional experience. Yes, there are strategically placed items enticing you to make an impulsive purchase. But most experienced shoppers are aware of that game.

At the other end of the spectrum, travel deals attack your emotions head on. After all, seeing sunshine, a sandy beach and a tropical drink is very appealing. Even more so when you’re shivering in front of your fireplace.

Seeking value is a universal trait. Everyone is on the hunt. And often, impulse and emotions play a vital role in the decision making progress. In the world of investing, however, allowing emotions and impulse to guide your decisions is not recommended. In fact, it usually does more harm than good.

Some investors are enticed by perceived opportunities. They try to hit home runs, snatching up low cost stocks before the price skyrockets. This emotional state of mind has a name. Greed.

Diametrically opposed to that is another emotion called fear. Fearful investors are so afraid of losing that when the financial wind blows, they tend to panic and either miss opportunities or make inopportune choices.

When greed or fear are the emotions that guide your investing decisions, the results are not usually favorable. Here are some recent examples.

Ads and articles everywhere have been calling cryptocurrency the future. Jump in right now or you’ll be missing the boat. In recent months, the value of many cryptocurrencies has retreated. Anyone who impulsively got in without due diligence is likely in the red.

A similar situation recently occurred in the precious metals markets, particularly gold and silver. To lay the groundwork, the value of the dollar has decreased as measured against the currencies of other countries. Many pundits claimed the dollar would collapse and that precious metals would be a safe haven.

As the value of silver and gold skyrocketed, some let their emotions take control and piled on as gold and silver prices continued to climb. Right up until they dropped like a lead balloon.

I’m not saying you should never consider cryptocurrencies or precious metals. Just that you need to do thorough research and make financial decisions with your head.

I’m not a market forecaster, but I believe you need to be mentally prepared for a period of market volatility that could cause some extreme anxiety. There will be times when it’s absolutely vital to park your emotions before making any investing decisions. If your values drop, don’t get too despondent. If they skyrocket, don’t get too complacent or overconfident. In today’s investing environment, markets can make massive moves in the blink of an eye. Up or down. And then change directions days later.

The key is to remain level-headed. Don’t panic. Don’t chase. Always trade within the bounds of your goals, objectives and risk tolerance. Never stray. Being adequately diversified is always a good idea, in this market or any market. If you aren’t sure that you’re properly diversified, or need help defining your goals, I encourage you to talk with a financial advisor. He or she can help keep your emotions in check during times of volatility.