#69: Tariff Turbulence: You Don’t Need a Parachute

In this episode of Blue Chip NOW!, hosts Daniel Dusina, CFA, Matt Mondoux, CMT, CFA, CFP®, and Dan Seder, CMT, CFA, CFP® sit down to tackle one of the most volatile stretches the market has seen in recent memory. They discuss how tariff uncertainties, political pressures, and tech stock valuations have created sharp market swings, and why it's so important to avoid making emotional investment decisions during turbulent times. The team walks through how the investment committee at Blue Chip Partners approached recent volatility — emphasizing patience, long-term thinking, and a commitment to disciplined strategy even when conditions feel unstable. They also dive deep into the concept of "buying the dip," explaining why today's environment demands a company-by-company evaluation rather than a blanket investment approach.

Later in the conversation, they explore broader investor behavior patterns: the importance of individualized strategies based on risk tolerance, how asset allocation can be adjusted in stressful environments, and why maintaining consistent communication with clients is critical. Tactical analysis, the role of the VIX as a measure of expected volatility, and why volatility itself is a "price" that investors must pay for future returns are key themes throughout the discussion. Whether you're wondering how to respond to market turbulence, thinking about rebalancing your portfolio, or just seeking reassurance during a rocky time, this episode offers clear, thoughtful insights —  without the hype.

Quotes:

"It’s like getting on a plane… You’re not going to grab a parachute and jump out the back if the pilot says we’re going to experience some turbulence. You buckle up.”– Dan Seder

Volatility is the price you pay for return. It’s meant to be uncomfortable. If it wasn’t, everybody would do it, this would be no problem, and nobody would have a dollar parked in a bank account.” – Matt Mondoux

“Our advisors… have tried to be very in front of the curveball in trying to make sure there’s a dialogue that’s ongoing.” – Daniel Dusina

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Episode Intro – The hosts reunite to kick off the conversation and reflect on recent market shifts.

00:01:32 - Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty – How pending tariffs and the lack of immediate economic data are complicating investment decisions.

00:02:14 - The Danger of Reacting Too Fast – Insights into why knee-jerk selling often does more harm than good for investors.

00:03:00 - Political Influence on the Stock Market – How political actions and rhetoric have been influencing stocks and bonds.

00:05:11 - Should Investors "Buy the Dip"? – A thoughtful discussion about why dip-buying isn't a blanket strategy and needs company-specific analysis.

00:07:49 - How Different Investors React to Volatility – Breaking down four different paths investors typically take during market stress.

00:10:47 - VIX and Dow Volatility Expectations – Translating the VIX into practical day-to-day market expectations and volatility mindset shifts.

00:13:14 - Volatility is the Price of Admission – A reminder that discomfort is the cost investors pay for long-term growth.

00:16:12 - Staying Engaged Through Uncertainty – Why keeping up consistent client communication is vital even if no dramatic portfolio moves are made.

00:17:22 - Economic Strength in Pockets – Despite volatility, certain economic sectors like housing and autos show underlying resilience.

00:18:33 - Risk and Inflation-Adjusted Returns – Why investors must embrace volatility to beat inflation over time.

00:20:24 - Managing Volatility Expectations – Using the plane turbulence analogy to normalize wild market swings without panic.

00:21:39 - Final Thoughts on Patient Investing – Wrapping up by reinforcing the importance of discipline, communication, and trust in the long term.

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