4 Simple Tips for Surviving Market Corrections

by Tyler Craig | October 1, 2013 9:34 am

Happy fiscal new year, everyone!

penny stocks, young investors[1]Unfortunately, today comes will little to celebrate and a lot to be concerned about. Uncertainty is swirling around thanks to both the government shutdown and the looming debt ceiling crisis.

As a result, investors might be worried that a major drop-off is coming — especially considering stocks have put on a pretty stellar performance so far in 2013.

But while a young investor may be shaken by the uncertainty and possibility of a tumble, the grizzled investment veteran knows that corrections have punctuated every bull market since the dawn of trading.

And each downturn eventually runs its course, giving way to a new market advance.

The key for investors is simple: Avoid being chopped up during the correction so you have sufficient financial and emotional capital to employ when the next bull leg begins.

With that in mind, here are four quick tips for surviving, and perhaps even thriving, during inevitable market corrections:

Park Yourself on the Sidelines in Cash

Market train wrecks are always better witnessed as a spectator than suffered through as a participant. Once better market conditions arise, you’ll have your capital ready to redeploy and won’t be emotionally compromised the way many of your fellow traders who lost money during the correction would be.

Reduce the Size of Your Bets

If you insist on trying your hand at taming a volatile market, at least cut down on your exposure. So if you normally risk $400 per trade, start risking $200 per trade. By risking smaller amounts of money, you will avoid incurring large losses when conditions are most difficult.

Be Extremely Selective

Strong bull markets have a tendency to bail out even the sloppiest traders. Market corrections, on the other hand, are merciless. Trading mediocre setups and having poor entry points will be punished aggressively. If you’re inclined to participate during downturns, be sure to trade only the best of setups.

Be Nimble

When there’s elevated volatility in both directions, it’s important to take profits sooner rather than later. So don’t be afraid to take partial profits if you get a quick move in your favor — because there’s a good chance it will be gone tomorrow.

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Endnotes:

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