It’s no surprise that people are getting a bit nervous with all the noise around Donald Trump’s tariff threats and what it’s doing to the share market. I’ve had a few calls this week from people worried about what it means for their superannuation and their shares.
Here’s the thing — markets don’t like uncertainty. They never have. But if you’ve been investing for a while, you’ll know that drops like this happen all the time. The trick is not to panic.
We saw it during COVID, and we’re seeing it again now.
Superannuation is a long-term investment, and for most of us — especially if you’re in your 50s or 60s — it still needs to work hard for you for another 20, even 30 years. That means staying invested in growth assets like shares and property that have historically delivered strong long-term returns — even if there are a couple of bad years along the way.
The same goes if you hold shares directly. Think about it like the Boxing Day sales. Say you’ve had your eye on a quality leather jacket. One day it’s $500, and the next it’s $350 — it’s still the same jacket, just temporarily on sale. The sharemarket works the same way. When prices drop, it doesn’t mean the companies you’ve invested in are suddenly worthless — it just means there’s some short-term uncertainty in the air. If you believe in what you’re holding, don’t rush to sell just because prices are down. In fact, downturns can be a chance to pick up more quality investments at a discount, if you’re in a position to do so.
Yes, watching your balance drop is uncomfortable, but trying to “fix it” by pulling out and switching to cash often locks in losses. And let’s be honest — bank interest rates haven’t exactly been a great wealth-building strategy over the long haul.
And if recent headlines have made your stomach drop — you’re not alone. Words like “wipeout” and “plummet” are designed to grab attention, not give you the full picture. Yes, markets are reacting to global uncertainty, but this isn’t a breakdown — it’s a moment. These kinds of fluctuations have happened before and will happen again. Portfolios that are well-diversified and thoughtfully constructed are doing exactly what they’re supposed to: cushioning the blow during rocky times. The real danger right now isn’t the market — it’s our emotions. Acting out of fear can turn a temporary dip into a permanent loss. So stay calm, stay invested, and trust in the long game.
It’s also fascinating to note that women tend to do better in times like this. Why? Because they’re more likely to stick to the plan. Men, on the other hand, often feel the urge to do something — but in investing, that instinct can work against you.
So if you’re feeling anxious, take a breath, zoom out, and remember:
✔ It’s time in the market, not timing the market.
✔ Super and shares are both marathons, not sprints.
✔ Sitting on your hands isn’t lazy — it’s smart.
Let your money do the work — even when it feels a bit wobbly.
Marc Bineham – Speaker, Coach, and award-winning author of The Money Sandwich