The Beast, a 7,359-foot wooden coaster at King’s Island in Mason, OH, might just be the greatest roller coaster of all time. As a teen, the thrill of this fast, rough ride kept me coming back for more – 
in line over and over again. As an adult, I have exited the coaster feeling bruised and battered, wondering why on earth I subjected myself to such punishment!
Analysts compare stock market volatility to the first hill of a rollercoaster. Gains in the market can sometimes be slow, like each click up the first hill of the track. Suddenly, as you cross the peak, speed picks up and so begins the rapid decline with the force of gravity, pinning you against your seat. That is exactly what happened during the last quarter of 2018 in the stock market, with losses triggering a host of negative headlines and panic among investors.
Last year, both the U.S. and the international markets experienced one of their worst years since the Great Recession. The S&P 500 slipped 6.25%, while the international market fared even worse, plunging 16.14% for the year. So far, in 2019 the S&P 500 Index has reached a new all-time high in April, as the stock market continues a strong positive trend. Consumer spending is up, job gains continue and the inverted yield curve has begun to normalize. However, only God knows what the future will hold in spite of our best efforts to follow trends and predict the future. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” ESV
If you have time before you need to retire, stay on the coaster and keep your long term goals in mind. Time is your friend and long-term investing only works its magic if you leave your moneyuntouched over a long period of time.
But if watching your investments ride the rollercoaster of the stock market is causing you to feel battered and bruised, maybe it’s time you reevaluated how your money is invested. If you are nearing retirement it is especially important to take a closer look at your investment goals and begin to minimize your exposure to risk.
The Baptist Foundation of Indiana can help! Our fixed rate savings accounts offer a substantially higher rate of interest than most banks. When you invest in our Baptist Investment Fund, the funds are used to help churches of all sizes buy property, build buildings and remodel their existing facilities. Your investment with the Foundation creates a partnership to build God’s Kingdom in Indiana.
We offer more than just a great rate of return. Your money is working for you, while it is working to build churches and change lives.
For more information, call Jennifer at 317-481-2400, ext. 300 or email jennifer@inbaptistfoundation.org.