Investors are adjusting their portfolios in anticipation of more market turbulence, the 4Q Wells Fargo/Gallup Index of Investor and Retirement Optimism survey has found.
While optimism held steady this quarter, retirees were feeling less optimistic. This marks the first time in over a year that non-retirees are significantly more optimistic than retirees.
Highlights of the report include:
- A majority of investors (74 percent) see market turbulence ahead. Of those, 6 in 10 are taking action by consulting with a financial advisor (44 percent), buying more stocks to take advantage of lower prices (30 percent) or selling stocks to prevent losses (15 percent)
- 7 in 10 say their portfolio matches their risk tolerance
- 42 percent of retirees are trying to keep their nest egg intact; investors counting on the stock market to help with their retirement
- Those who consulted with financial advisors during volatility were more likely to pay closer attention to the markets and twice as likely to sell and buy stocks than those who did not consult with an advisor.
- While 8 in 10 retirees are confident on drawing down their retirement accounts throughout their retirement, just 28 percent are highly confident with this approach.