Tariff announcements, stubborn inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty have created another uncomfortable period for investors. When markets move sharply in both directions, it can be difficult to separate temporary reactions from developments that may have lasting financial consequences.

In this episode of Coasting in Retirement, Josh Null is joined by JD Gardner, founder and Chief Investment Officer of Aptus Capital Advisors, to explain what is driving the volatility and how investors might respond.

Josh and JD place recent market movements within a broader historical context, examining whether today’s conditions are truly unusual or another variation of challenges investors have faced before. Their conversation travels through decades of market history, from the bull market of the 1980s and the dot com boom to the financial crisis, the recovery that followed, and the disruption created by the pandemic.

Despite wars, recessions, market crashes, and political uncertainty, the stock market has generally increased over long periods. But why has that pattern persisted, and should investors assume it will continue?

More importantly, can a portfolio be designed to do something during volatility besides simply endure it?

Listen to the full episode to hear Josh and JD discuss what investors may be able to do to manage risk, maintain perspective, and potentially take advantage of opportunities created by unsettled markets.



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