Navigating Market Volatility and Economic Uncertainty

By Luke Volker, Partner and Senior Financial Advisor, Scone

I’ve been riding market rollercoasters since the GFC in 2008, the COVID crash in 2020, and now this messy 2025 stretch. Right now, as of 10 November 2025, the ASX 200 has dipped below 8,200 after hitting 8,900 in late October, iron ore’s cratered another 12% in the last fortnight, the RBA’s still glued at 3.60% with inflation ticking up to 3.2%, Trump 2.0 tariffs are hammering global sentiment, and gold—everyone’s “safe haven”—has fallen 8% from its September peak above US$2,800 to around US$2,580.

If your stomach drops every time you open your Super/Investment app, this article is your seatbelt. And if you’re a brand-new investor who just jumped in at the highs—you’re not alone, and you’re not screwed, know that markets do not move in a straight line, that “loss” is on paper only, you haven’t sold, and these market dips also create opportunity. Here a few tips to help you navigate this period of volatility.

1. First, stop looking at the market every day

Studies from Vanguard show investors who check their portfolio daily underperform those who check annually by 1.5% a year. My rule: log in once a month

2. Understand what’s actually happening right now

• ASX 200: down 7.8% from October peak, resources smashed (BHP -19%, Rio -21%)
• Gold: US$2,583/oz spot, down 8% in six weeks as real yields spike
• US S&P 500: still +21% YTD despite Friday’s 2.4% drop on tariff fears
• China demand collapse → iron ore $88/tonne → Fortescue -28%
• Bond yields jumping → banks wobbling
• AUD smashed to US$0.638

3. The only three things that actually matter in volatility

• Your time horizon: If you need the money in <5 years → you shouldn’t be heavily invested in shares or gold. If it’s 10+ years → every single crash in history has been a buying opportunity. This dip is noise.
• Ensure your asset allocation is in line with your risk profile.
• Ensure your portfolio is regularly rebalanced.

4. The emotional traps I see every single crash (especially from new investors)

• “I just got in, I’m pulling out until it recovers” → If you do this, you are converting your paper loss into an actual loss
• “Gold was supposed to protect me!” → It does—over decades. Not weeks.
• “My mate sold everything last week” → Your mate will likely miss the re-entry waiting for the ‘bottom’ and will likely end up buying back higher.
• Checking every day → Panic sell at the exact worst moment.

5. The historical truth

Since 1980, the ASX 200 has had 12 corrections >10%. Average decline: –22%. Average recovery time: 13 months. Every. Single. One. Recovered. Gold? Six major drawdowns >20% since 2000. All recovered.

Volatility isn’t the enemy. Panic is.

I’ve watched the market crash a few times now. Every client who followed the plan—and stayed invested—retired richer. Every new investor who jumped in at the top and stuck around? They’re the ones with the best stories (and fattest balances).

The market will do what it does. Your job is to do nothing—intelligently.

Stick to the plan.

We’ve seen this movie before, and spoiler alert: the good guys—and the patient investors—always win.

To find out more, contact Brooks and Partners for expert financial advice.

This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is suitable for you and your personal circumstances. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.