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PERSPECTIVES ON MARKET VOLATILITY: The Merits of Hanging In (& Why April Felt So Bad)

July 16, 2025

It’s been a wild ride this year—and we’re only halfway through.

If April’s market movements felt unsettling, you weren’t mistaken. While volatility is a natural part of equity markets, the magnitude of April’s decline was unusual. A two-day drop of more than 10 percent in the S&P 500, seen over April 3 and 4, is rare and has occurred only four times since 1980: on Black Monday in 1987, twice during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and in the early days of the 2020 pandemic.

It’s worth repeating: while it might feel tempting to exit the markets during turbulent periods, doing so can come at a cost. One reason is that some of the best-performing days often follow the worst. Exiting the markets after a decline may mean missing out on these gains, which can then make re-entering even more difficult. We saw this play out in the spring when April’s sharp drop was followed by a swift recovery in May.

While markets don’t always rebound immediately, time has a powerful way of smoothing even the sharpest declines. In the year following the worst two-day drops, the S&P 500 posted an average gain of3 6.3 percent. Similarly, after the largest one-day declines in the S&P/TSX, the average one-year forward return was +34.6 percent.

One of the benefits of navigating through challenging markets like the GFC and the pandemic is that we have accumulated invaluable experience. Time and again, we are reminded that you can’t keep the markets—or the economy— down for long.

Even the darkest nights eventually give way to dawn—and patience remains one of an investor’s great virtues.

1. BMO Capital Markets, U.S. Strategy Report, April 6, 2025. 
2. BMO Capital Markets, Canadian Strategy Report, April 6, 2025. Calculations based on BMO Capital Markets Investment Strategy Group calculations, Factset, Compustat, IBES.

The information contained herein has been provided for information purposes only. The information has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. Graphs, charts and other numbers are used for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect future values or future performance of any investment. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, tax, or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. This does not constitute a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell securities of any kind. Market conditions may change which may impact the information contained in this document. Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus) is the parent company to Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. (WAPW), Wellington-Altus Private Counsel Inc. (WAPC), Wellington-Altus Insurance Inc. (WAII), Wellington-Altus Group Solutions Inc. (WAGS), and Wellington-Altus USA Inc. Wellington-Altus (WA) does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, nor does WA assume any liability for any loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. Before acting on any of the above, please contact your financial advisor..

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The opinions contained herein are the opinions of the author and readers should not assume they reflect the opinions or recommendations of Wellington-Altus Private Wealth. Assumptions, opinions and information constitute the author’s judgement as of the date this material and subject to change without notice. We do not warrant the completeness or accuracy of this material, and it should not be relied upon as such. Before acting on any recommendation, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Graphs and charts are used for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect future values or future performance of any investment. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, tax, or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. All third party products and services referred to or advertised in this presentation are sold by the company or organization named. While these products or services may serve as valuable aids to the independent investor, WAPW does not specifically endorse any of these products or services. The third party products and services referred to, or advertised in this presentation, are available as a convenience to its customers only, and WAPW is not liable for any claims, losses or damages however arising out of any purchase or use of third party products or services. All insurance products and services are offered by life licensed advisors of Wellington-Altus. Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.