I started my career as a financial advisor shortly before the Great Financial Crisis (great timing!), which sent the markets plummeting 56% as people feared the financial system would implode. The market fell double digits again in 2011, 2015, and 2018, over concerns of the U.S. debt ceiling crisis, global growth, the Federal Reserve raising rates and possibility of a trade war, respectively. The pandemic in 2020 caused the market to slide 34%. In 2022, the year I launched my own firm (great timing, again!), the market dropped by 25% due to inflation concerns and the war in Ukraine. Most recently, the market plummeted approximately 12% after “Liberation Day,” when reciprocal tariffs were assessed on countries all over the world.
Feelings of dejection were natural as my clients and I watched our investments drop significantly in value. Each time, I encouraged my clients to overcome that feeling, remain optimistic, and stick with their strategy, because ultimately it’ll improve. Despite all the challenging periods, the market has appreciated approximately 500% over the course of my career!
During the 9 Days, and on Tisha B’Av, in particular, it’s easy to feel dejected. Those feelings are further compounded by the surge in antisemitism. Remaining in a constant state of dejection is not the Jewish way. We remind ourselves daily, when reciting Ani Maamin, that Jews believe in the imminent coming of Mashiach, the ultimate redemption and rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. We have an unshakable belief that better times await.
Dejection may be a natural reaction, but choosing optimism instead, in all facets of life, may lead to wealth, happiness, and the coming of Mashiach in the near-term!
