Steering Through Uncertainty: The Argument for Recalibrating
Investing encompasses various strategies, and one key method is rebalancing. Discover how to implement this approach to safeguard your profits.
Investing inevitably faces turbulence, whether from economic downturns, geopolitical tensions, or just a market dip.
Although these volatile times can be disconcerting, they also offer a prime chance for investors to reassess their portfolios and think about rebalancing.

So, how can you steer through the chaos and seize the opportunities these tough times present?
The Importance of Rebalancing
Rebalancing your investments aims to keep your risk level aligned with your long-term financial goals.
As time passes, various asset classes in your portfolio—such as stocks and real estate—may grow at different paces, sometimes surpassing or falling short of your expectations.
If you initially allocated your portfolio with 70% in stocks and 30% in bonds, changes in the stock market can disrupt this balance.
Without intervention, your portfolio may end up carrying more risk than you originally intended.
For instance, during bullish phases, your stocks might gain value significantly, leading your allocation to exceed your planned targets.
Conversely, during stressful periods like the COVID-19 outbreak, stock values may plummet, causing substantial losses. If you don’t rebalance, your portfolio could become more volatile than you’re comfortable with.
Rebalancing helps restore your portfolio to its target allocation, making sure you’re not overly invested in any single asset class—especially during turbulent times.
Why Rebalancing is Crucial in a Volatile Market
Periods of market turbulence—like those seen during the pandemic or recent market adjustments—highlight the critical need for rebalancing.
In times of high volatility, emotions can run rampant, making it easy to react impulsively and make poor decisions.
When the market is unstable, it can be alluring to make significant alterations to your investment strategy.
Choices driven by fear or greed can often lead to regrettable outcomes. Rebalancing your portfolio should be a methodical strategy, not an emotional response to market shifts, ensuring your investments stay true to your long-term goals.
Seizing Market Opportunities
Rebalancing opens doors to purchase valuable assets at reduced prices. During market downturns, certain assets may be undervalued.
This approach allows you to take advantage of these opportunities by selling off assets that are overvalued and acquiring those that are undervalued.
By following this method consistently, you can mitigate market fluctuations and enhance your likelihood of securing robust long-term returns.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio: A Guide
Here are some effective strategies for rebalancing your portfolio:
- Establish Initial Allocation
Before rebalancing, decide on your target portfolio distribution based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Conservative investors might favor a larger bond allocation, while those willing to take risks could lean more heavily into stocks. - Set Rebalancing Frequency
You don’t need to rebalance monthly. A good practice is to do it at least annually or when your portfolio strays significantly from your intended allocation. Some robo-advisors can automate this process for you, adjusting based on market changes. - Review Your Financial Goals
Rebalancing provides an excellent chance to reevaluate your financial objectives. Life circumstances change, and you may need to tweak your priorities or risk tolerance over time. - Steer Clear of Market Timing
One of the largest pitfalls in volatile markets is the temptation to “time the market.” Instead of trying to foresee the future, maintain a regular rebalancing schedule based on a long-term plan. This approach minimizes the effects of daily market fluctuations and keeps your focus on sustainable growth.
Is Rebalancing Beneficial?
Definitely—rebalancing is a wise strategy during market unrest. It’s not just a means to correct a portfolio that’s become skewed.
This proactive approach helps maintain alignment between your investments and your life aspirations, while also curbing impulsive decisions.
It’s crucial to understand that rebalancing won’t completely erase market risks. Instead, it aids in managing your exposure and maintaining discipline during turbulent times.
The essence lies in having a well-defined plan, being patient, and sticking to that plan no matter what challenges the market presents.