Investing through the storm: How to build a resilient portfolio in uncertain times

As featured in Her World on 26 June 2025.

In today’s unpredictable global economy, it's easy to feel rattled. Especially for women who often juggle multiple roles — from working professionals and caregivers to key decision-makers in their households — the fear of financial instability can feel overwhelming. When news headlines shout about market volatility, economic downturns, and global uncertainties, it can be hard to know what to do next. But the good news is, with the right strategies and mindset, women can take control and build financial resilience, no matter what the markets are doing.

Here’s how you can regain control of your finances and navigate this turbulent time with confidence:

1. Building mental and financial resilience: A "Pause and Plan" mindset

When faced with uncertainty, it's common to feel a rush of fear. The first step in building resilience is to regain a sense of control. Adopt a "pause and plan" mindset. When fear rises or the markets fluctuate, take a breath. Don’t rush into decisions. Give yourself time to reflect before acting. This emotional discipline can help you make better choices that align with your long-term goals instead of reacting impulsively to the immediate panic.

1. Why history can offer comfort in times of crisis

It’s perfectly natural to feel concerned, especially if you’re nearing retirement or have financial responsibilities that feel even more pressing in times of uncertainty. But history offers valuable perspective.

While every crisis feels unique, one constant is that markets do recover. From the 2008 Global Financial Crisis to the pandemic crash in 2020, we’ve seen the markets rebound after significant downturns. The market’s ability to recover is one of the most consistent patterns in investing.

When crises occur, it’s easy to focus only on the present. But taking a step back and viewing the situation from a long-term perspective will help you stay calm. History has proven that recovery is possible, and the key to thriving during uncertain times is sticking to a well-thought-out financial plan.

1. What does a resilient portfolio look like?

For women who are looking to secure their financial future, building a resilient portfolio is a powerful tool. Resilience in a portfolio means that it can weather downturns without throwing your long-term goals off track.

Here’s what makes a portfolio resilient:

• Diversification: Resilience doesn’t mean avoiding risk entirely. Growth requires taking some risks, but it does mean preparing for them. A well-balanced portfolio that aligns with your goals, risk profile, and time horizon will better weather volatility. This portfolio should include different asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.) to absorb shocks and adapt over time.
• Alignment with your goals: Your portfolio should reflect your personal goals, financial situation, and risk tolerance. As you go through different life stages — from raising children to planning for retirement — your portfolio should adapt to reflect these changes.
• Peace of mind: If your portfolio is causing sleepless nights, it may need to be rebalanced. The goal isn’t just securing returns but ensuring that you feel confident and financially secure despite the market’s ups and downs.

1. The importance of liquidity and emergency funds in uncertain times

In volatile times, liquidity — having cash readily available — becomes even more crucial. A safety net of six to 12 months of living expenses, easily accessible and liquid, will allow you to manage unexpected events like health issues or job changes without touching long-term investments. Think of your emergency fund as a financial buffer that can give you the flexibility to manage unexpected expenses without disrupting long-term plans.

Here's why liquidity matters:

• Security: If you have enough cash on hand, you won’t be forced to sell investments at a loss during a downturn. This ensures that your long-term goals — like retirement or your children’s education — remain on track.
• Flexibility: Having liquid assets means you have the freedom to manage life’s uncertainties without the pressure to make decisions under duress. This can reduce stress and help you avoid making impulsive, short-term decisions.

1. Financial strategies for young investors

If you’re a young investor or just getting started, you might be worried about making the wrong move during a downturn. While it’s normal to feel this way, the best strategy is to stay calm and stick to your long-term goals.

Here are three simple, effective strategies:

• Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): This strategy involves investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, regardless of market conditions. DCA reduces the pressure of trying to time the market and helps you buy more when prices dip and less when they’re high.
• Diversification: Resist the urge to follow trends or put all your money into a “hot” investment. Build a balanced portfolio that includes a variety of sectors, regions, and asset types to reduce risk and open up opportunities for growth.
• Focus on Your Financial Goals: The market will always have fluctuations. What matters is whether your investments align with your personal goals, whether that’s buying a home, retiring early, or funding education. Staying focused on your goals — not market noise — will give you clarity and help you stay confident in uncertain times.

As a woman, whether you’re managing a household, preparing for retirement, or building wealth for the future, resilience in both your mindset and financial strategy is key to navigating uncertainty. By focusing on long-term goals, sticking to a diversified plan, and working with a financial expert who understands your needs, you can feel confident in your financial future — no matter what the markets are doing.

Stay calm, stay resilient, and remember that financial security is within your control.

This article is a general communication that is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as financial advice, and it does not constitute a recommendation, an offer or solicitation. No responsibility can be accepted for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from based on this publication. All information presented herein is considered to be accurate at the time of production, but no warranty of accuracy is given and no liability in respect of any error or omission is accepted.

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