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

Updated 1/7/09: Market swings shouldn't panic investors

January 7, 2009

DALLAS —After starting the year with generally positive returns — the Dow closed above the 9,000 mark on Tuesday — markets turned south on fears that corporate earnings and unemployment numbers would be worse than expected. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 245.40 (2.72%), while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 markets were off 3.23% and 3% respectively.

Diverse companies across multiple industries, including Time Warner, Alcoa and Intel all warned that their profits would not meet expectations.

While Wednesday’s market performance may be discouraging 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 1/7/09: Market swings shouldn't panic investors