Maintain perspective and long-term discipline

Some investors may find themselves making impulsive decisions or, conversely, becoming paralysed by fear, unable to implement an investment strategy or to rebalance a portfolio as needed. Discipline and perspective can help you remain committed to your long-term investment programme through periods of market uncertainty.

Guarding against return chasing: rebalancing

Sticking to a predetermined target also helps to guard against the tendency to chase returns by moving into and out of the best and worst-performing sectors based upon recent past performance. Many investors fall prey to this trap. By rebalancing to your original allocation rather than chasing market performance, you can help to ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your goals and your appetite for risk.

Initial asset allocation: 60% equity and 40% bonds

Fixed income funds

40%

Equity funds

60%

As it is hypothetical, this example does not represent any particular investment.

Source: Vanguard.

Over time, equity funds rise disproportionately in value.

Fixed income funds

30%

Equity funds

70%

As it is hypothetical, this example does not represent any particular investment.

Source: Vanguard.

Rebalancing from equity funds to bond funds restores the original weighting.

Fixed income funds

40%

Equity funds

60%

As it is hypothetical, this example does not represent any particular investment.

Source: Vanguard.

Key points

Investing evokes emotions that can disrupt the plans of even the most sophisticated investors – often at the expense of returns. This is because when investors sell securities during major market fluctuations or follow a market trend, they usually lag behind the markets. And every tweak in the portfolio incurs costs.

Investors should counter these emotions with discipline and a long-term perspective in order not to lose sight of their goals.

Other principles


Important information on investment risks 

Investing involves risks. The value of the investments and the resulting returns may rise or fall, and investors may suffer losses on their investments.

Important risk information 

Past average returns are no reliable indicator of future investment results. The performance of an index is not an exact representation of any particular investment, as you cannot invest directly in an index. 

Important information 

Vanguard Investments Switzerland GmbH only gives information on products and services and does not give investment advice based on individual circumstances. If you have any questions related to your investment decision or the suitability or appropriateness for you of the product(s) described in this document, please contact your financial adviser.

The information contained herein is not to be understood as an offer or solicitation to make an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation is unlawful, or to persons to whom such an offer or solicitation may not legally be made, or when the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so The information does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. You should therefore not rely on the content when making investment decisions.

The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation or solicitation to buy orsell investments.

Published by Vanguard Investments Switzerland GmbH.

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