Curtis D. Sharp
Executive Officer for Denominational and Public Relations
214-720-2127
Curt.Sharp@GuideStone.org

Updated: 11/19/08 Market swings shouldn't panic investors

November 19, 2008

DALLAS — Fears that Congress will not act on a bailout for the auto industry drove a sharp sell-off in the market Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 427 points, or just over 5%, its first close below 8,000 in five years. The Nasdaq market was off more than 6.5% and the S&P 500 was down 6.12%, also reaching a five-year low. Wednesday’s drop was the latest downward move that has seen the market make record point jumps and drops since early September.

While Wednesday’s market performance may be disheartening for stock and stock mutual fund investors, it’s important for long-term investors to rely on their investment strategies, and not make decisions based on short-term market changes, good or bad.

Read more about how investors should respond to this volatile market.

Word Version - Updated 11/19/08: Market swings shouldn't panic investors