This past week, tariff talk has taken center stage in the headlines.
Prompted by the Trump administration’s ‘Liberation Day’ which saw a 10% universal import duty on all goods brought into the U.S. as well as reciprocal tariffs that will be applied to imports from 90 nations—market jitters quickly followed.
If you felt that familiar wave of anxiety seeing red arrows or hearing “trade war” echo across the news cycle, take a breath.
Let’s break down what’s really unfolding, how markets typically behave in moments like this, and why your financial plan is your best source of stability in times like these.
A Look Back
During his first term, Trump launched sweeping tariffs, primarily aimed at China, as part of an effort to protect U.S. manufacturing and address trade imbalances.
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Higher costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers
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Retaliatory tariffs on American goods
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Heightened market volatility
Fast forward to 2025, and Trump is once again holding a tough-on-trade stance. Markets, as expected, are reacting—but these reactions are often temporary and driven by short-term emotion rather than long-term fundamentals.
Market Volatility Feels Personal, But It’s Historically Predictable
Market swings are unsettling, but they’re also normal. They’ve happened before, and they’ll happen again.
Let’s look at the data:
Market Corrections
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Defined as a drop of 10% or more from recent highs
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Since 1971, the Nasdaq Composite has seen 66 corrections
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Average drop: 13.8%
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Average duration: 115 days (just under 4 months)
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Frequency: Roughly once per year
Bear Markets
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Defined as a drop of 20% or more in stock prices over a sustained period
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We’ve experienced 7 bear markets since 1971
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Average drop: 39.1%
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Average duration: 14.7 months
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Most importantly: The market recovers, often reaching new highs within 1–3 years
So the point is that while volatility is uncomfortable, it’s not unusual and certainly not unmanageable.
Why a Plan Beats a Prediction Every Time
At Concenture Wealth Management, we don’t build your portfolio based on breaking news. We build it around your goals, timeline, and tolerance for risk.
Here’s what really matters:
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Tariffs may cause short-term noise, but they don’t change long-term fundamentals
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Your financial plan already accounts for market declines—we stress test for them regularly
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Confidence comes from clarity, not reacting to the latest headlines
If you’re near or in retirement, this approach is even more critical.
Your plan should include buffers, income flexibility, and strategies designed to weather turbulence so you’re not left guessing when markets shift.
Yes, markets react immediately to tariffs. That’s expected. But your financial plan? It can be built to get you through moments like this.
You don’t need to predict what comes next. You just need a plan..
A quick review of your strategy can offer you that peace of mind.
