Blog

Expert: Stephen Stowers
Company: First Kentucky Trust
Phone: (502) 400-6000  
Website: First Kentucky Trust 
Published April 11^th, 2025

Retirement Investing During Uncertain Market Conditions

As you have seen in recent business related news, we are clearly experiencing market volatility.  To stay on track, it’s beneficial to have a process in place to help prevent emotions from altering your investment planning decisions.  Here are some quick reminders:

1. Have a plan and adhere to it. If you are participating in an employer defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k), or 403 (b), it is recommended to continue those deferrals as they provide you an opportunity to “dollar-cost average” into the markets. This is a process where you are regularly investing a specific amount, regardless of fluctuations in market prices.
2. Balance risk and return. Diversification involves the process of investing in different asset classes, such as stocks or stock mutual funds (growth), bonds (income), and cash (stability), in order to help manage investment risk. In addition, there are numerous subclasses included in the three main categories (stock—domestic vs. international, and large, mid and small size company stocks as well), bonds- corporate or government bonds).

Asset allocation represents the balance between growth, income and stability assets and can help to manage the level and types of risk your assets will face over time. The investor’s comfort level pertaining to investment risk, time horizon of the investments and lifestyle needs all have a significant impact on the proper asset allocation.

• Stay the investment course. During times of market fluctuations, it can be difficult to stay focused on your investment plan. This is when it is even more important to keep your long-term financial goals in mind, in order to stay true to your target.

Stephen Stowers CPA/PFS/CRC® is a Sr. Vice President and Wealth Advisory Director with First Kentucky Trust Company.
First Kentucky Trust provides comprehensive wealth planning, investment management and trust administration services.

Steve can be reached at (502) 400-6018, or s.stowers@firstkytrust.com

There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful, all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Asset allocation, diversification and dollar cost averaging can’t guarantee a profit or eliminate the possibility of loss.

Nothing in this presentation constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice. NOT FDIC insured, investments may lose value.