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

Updated 10/16/08: Market swings shouldn't panic investors

October 16, 2008

DALLAS — The Dow Jones Industrial Average – spooked by soft retail sales – dropped more than 730 points Wednesday (more than 7.8%). The Nasdaq and S&P 500 were off almost 8.5% and 9% respectively. This came on the heels of a record trading day Monday when the Dow had its biggest one-day point gain ever.

Soft retail sales in September, coupled with a Federal Reserve report indicating tight credit lending was hurting business activity nationwide, contributed to Wednesday’s sell-off.

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.

Updated 10/16/08: Market swings shouldn't panic investors