VCIM Portfolio Manager Market Commentary | February 2022

Market pullbacks can be scary but normal.

A market correction can certainly be scary but it is quite common and a normal part of investing. However, it is important to keep in mind that market drawdowns that occur during the year are not necessarily indicative of calendar year returns.

The S&P 500 has exhibited a price correction every 362 calendar days on average (or about once a year). It has been nearly 22 months since the index last experienced a correction, making a 10% drawdown long overdue. Duration of the correction will vary, but on average, it lasts less than 4 months. The average S&P 500 correction lasts 110 calendar days, with an average drawdown of -13%.

Short-term market movement is often driven by investor sentiment.

Emotional investing is easy to fall into, but it can wreak havoc on any portfolio. Historically, investors have had many reasons to worry about market volatility. Despite short-term reasons for not investing, maintaining a long-term perspective can work to our advantage. Over time, markets recover and grow.

Market does quite well despite drawdowns.

Be patient, especially during pullbacks, as market performance typically rebounds following drawdown periods. On average, the S&P 500 index has been up by nearly 14% in the subsequent three-month period and up more than 27% over the next twelve months following non-bear market price corrections.

Time, not timing, is what’s important.

As short-term market movements are unpredictable, investors should avoid the impulse to time the market. The market’s best days typically follow the largest drops, meaning panic selling can lead to missed opportunities on the upside.

Link to VCIM Portfolio Manager Market Commentary February 2022

Disclaimer

The information provided herein are for illustration purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Pooled funds may purchase and sell securities at any time and securities held by a fund may increase or decrease in value. Past investment performance of a pooled fund, mutual fund or individual security may not be repeated. The VCIM pools will have the same portfolio management team as the IA Clarington Inhance SRI portfolios, and the VCIM pools will have similar investment management style and mandates. VCIM does not undertake any obligation to update the information provided herein.