Bear Markets are a Necessary Evil

This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
Weekend reading bear markets are necessary evil Weekend reading bear markets are necessary evil

Weekend Reading

Enduring a bear market can feel like watching your life's work and dreams waver; but as recent podcast guest Larry Swedroe reminds us, bear markets aren’t just unfortunate events. They are a necessary evil that make the rewards of investing possible.

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Without the pain of occasional market declines, the stock market would not offer the strong long-term returns that you may rely on today.

In that light, Larry highlights some vital truths:

📌 Risk and Return are Inseparable: Higher long-term returns require enduring periods of loss

📌 Discipline Beats Emotion: Fear and panic lead investors to sell low, while patience often pays off

📌 A Plan is Your Lifeline: Anticipating bear markets in your strategy—not reacting to them—is the key to protecting and growing your wealth

Remember: Bear markets will test your resolve, but with a solid plan tailored to your life's meaning and goals, you can stay the course and come out stronger.