How Retirees Can Respond to Market Volatility with Confidence
A Quick Word on the Markets
You know you're in extraordinary times when markets move like they did during the Great Recession. On April 9, 2025, the S&P 500 surged 9.5%, its largest one-day percentage gain since October 2008. This spike followed President Trump’s surprise announcement of a 90-day pause on most tariffs—a move that temporarily calmed fears amid intensifying global trade tensions.
But this rally masks deeper instability.
Just days before, the S&P 500 suffered its steepest three-day loss since the pandemic, driven by concerns over aggressive tariffs and a looming global slowdown. Even as the pause brought relief, tariffs on China rose to 125%, revealing how unpredictable trade policy has become.
For businesses and consumers, this whiplash creates real challenges. Unclear trade direction makes long-term investment risky, while supply chains struggle to adapt. Yes, April 9 recaptured some market losses—but without lasting trade clarity, volatility and economic uncertainty remain high.
How Retirees Should Respond
If you’re retired or nearing retirement, this kind of market turbulence shouldn’t rattle your lifestyle. At Lohr & Company, our Four Buckets Retirement Income Strategy® is designed for moments just like this.
The framework emphasizes guaranteed, market-resistant income for daily needs, allowing your essential lifestyle to remain unaffected, no matter what the market does.
Here’s how retirees can respond when volatility strikes:
Stay the course – Your core income is already protected.
Buy strategically – Downturns can be opportunities for long-term growth.
Avoid panic moves – Reacting emotionally often hurts more than it helps.
Many retirees reduce spending or shift drastically in response to fear. But Four Buckets users often find they can lean into the plan, not away from it.
Thinking Ahead: Is It Time to Reposition?
For those approaching retirement, now may be a good time to review your portfolio. Shifting from accumulation to income is a key part of the transition—and that’s where the Four Buckets strategy shines.
You don’t need to predict the market. You just need a plan that adapts with confidence.
If you’re unsure how your assets are positioned for retirement income, let’s talk.
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