--- title: Investing for Retirement in Every Market Condition description: Successful retirement is dependent upon using an investing approach that performs in a wide variety of market conditions. image: http://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Blog/Investing-for-Retirement-in-Every-Market-Condition.jpg --- [![4thought\_footer-logo.png](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png?width=335&height=101&name=4thought_footer-logo.png "4thought_footer-logo.png")](https://www.4tfg.com/) - [![4Thought Financial Group](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/) [![4Thought Financial Group Compass](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4Though-Compass.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/) - [About 4Thought](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) - [Our Investment Methodology](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) - [Management Team](https://www.4tfg.com/management) - [In the Media](https://www.4tfg.com/media) - [Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) - [Services](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) - [Private Individual Investing](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) - [SMAs for RIA /Institutional /Family Office](https://www.4tfg.com/financial-advisors-and-institutions) - [Services for CPAs](https://www.4tfg.com/cpa-investing-services) - [Private Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/retirement-plan-services) - [Resources](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) - [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) - [Portfolio Review](https://www.4tfg.com/portfolio-review) - [Investment Performance](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests) - [CPA Continuing Education](https://www.4tfg.com/cpe-continuing-education) - [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) - [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) - [Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) - Log In - [Goldman Sachs Accounts](https://custodysolutions.gs.com/client-app) - [Wealth Management](https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/SignIn?ema) - [Consolidated Reporting](https://client.myadvisorlink.com/auth/users/webportal/4tfg) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/rps-login) - - Log In - [Goldman Sachs Accounts](https://custodysolutions.gs.com/client-app) - [Wealth Management](https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/SignIn?ema) - [Consolidated Reporting](https://client.myadvisorlink.com/auth/users/webportal/4tfg) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/rps-login) ## 4Thought Investing Resources ## 4Thought Investing Resources [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/) [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/investment-strategy) [Personal Finance](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/personal-investing) [Business Finance](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/business-finance) [For Professionals](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/financial-professionals)[Compass and Crosshairs](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/compass-and-crosshairs) SUBSCRIBE Subscribe for free tips and articles to help you lead a smarter financial life. # Investing for Retirement in Every Market Condition Successful retirement is dependent upon using an investing approach that performs in a wide variety of market conditions. \[fa icon="calendar"\] Jan 19, 2017, 4:52:41 PM by [4Thought Financial](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/author/4thought-financial) ![Investing for Retirement in Every Market Condition](http://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Blog/Investing-for-Retirement-in-Every-Market-Condition.jpg) Part of successful investing is generating favorable results in good markets as well as bad markets.  Regardless of whatever your idea of retirement looks like, investors need a plan to get there in the first place. Whether the [financial markets](http://www.investopedia.com/walkthrough/corporate-finance/1/financial-markets.aspx) are up, down, sideways, or soaring, investing your assets according to a plan increases the probability that the retirement you envision can become a reality.  As easy as it might be to be caught up in the daily newsfeed, the news should not influence your investment strategy.  If anything, the news should provide more motivation to stick with your plan. Investors often chase the news or chase returns, but hardly ever chase an approach that will help bring about the results that they want. As a result, investors often miss out on certain market opportunities, or expose themselves to more risk.  But despite the prevailing market conditions at any given time, investors need the confidence to stay invested.  ### ***The Market Cycle is Broader Than You Think*** Most people only think of bull markets and bear markets when they think about the financial world and the stock market.  However, we at 4Thought Financial believe that the market cycle is more complex than one might think.  When it comes to thinking about how this affects your investments, it is more than just ups and downs.  Simply put, market cycles are broader and more complex than one might think.  For example, 4Thought Financial believes that there are four primary market environments, instead of the two traditionally accepted [bull](http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bullmarket.asp) and [bear](http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bearmarket.asp) markets.  The bull and bear are joined by the “Eagle” and the “Wolf”.  The “Eagle” is characterized by soaring asset prices, markets at new highs and investor exuberance.  The “Wolf” is characterized by volatility, range bound price movement, and flat markets.  The recognition of this interpretation of market cycles is the key to understanding our process and how this relates to a comfortable retirement. Investors planning for retirement must adapt their investment portfolio to prepare for these market environments.  Effective risk mitigation through a disciplined [investment methodology](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) will not only drive returns, but can help to do so regardless of what the markets are doing. ### ***Different Asset Classes, Different Markets, Different Considerations*** Investors often believe retirement is simply enjoying your golden years.  But today’s retirement picture must also address other concerns and needs.  For example, investors may need to utilize more of their retirement assets to pay for long-term care than expected. Investors must also think about other important considerations, such as outliving their retirement assets and inflation.  To put inflation in perspective, a calculator from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the same set of goods and services that cost $100 in 1980 would require $293 in 2016.  Long term care and inflation are only two examples of considerations for investors planning for retirement. Importantly, assets must be available to address those concerns, and must be guided by a sound plan. Having investment options that offer access to a wide variety of asset classes and strategies help retirement become an attainable goal, not a far-off dream.  By offering access to traditional stock and bond investments, along with liquid [alternative investment options](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/liquid-transparent-alternatives-to-hedge-funds-and-private-equity) to hedge funds and private equity, investors have the potential to capture various opportunities in the market, regardless of what the market is doing. ### ***Make Retirement Easier*** Planning and investing for retirement should not be a challenge, nor should it be a chore to be feared. Regardless of whether you are a self-directed investor or would rather leave it to a professional, retirement just does not happen without a plan in place. 4Thought Financial believes it is important for the professionals aiding investors to not only develop the plan for their retirement assets, but also serve in the implementation of that plan through the ongoing management of investment portfolios that can help grow assets in tune with objectives.  ***Learn more about how we help investors [plan and fund their retirement](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) and other life events.*** ## Was this article helpful to you? ### Subscribe to our newsletter for free tips and articles to help you lead a smarter financial life. ## Leave a Comment ### Search 4tfg.com This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### **What Type of Investor Are You?** You have unique investment goals. 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The GIPS firm definition excludes any third party asset management programs over which 4Thought maintains oversight advisory agreements on behalf of its clients, any arrangements under which 4Thought provides recommendations for client self-implementation, and any assets under advisory but not under direct management (in which 4Thought provides allocation changes or trading signals to third party firms but does not take discretion over the trading of client accounts). GIPS-compliant performance information for 4Thought's strategies may be obtained by email at [info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com); on the 4Thought website at [www.4tfg.com/performance-requests](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests); or by phone at (516) 300-1617. Disclaimer [Form CRS, Firm Brochure (ADV Part2), Privacy Policy Notice, and Wrap Fee Program Brochure](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Firm_Brochure_ADV_Pt2-Privacy_Policy-Wrap_Fee_Program_Brochure.pdf) [Disclosure](https://www.4tfg.com/disclosure) [BrokerCheck](http://brokercheck.finra.org/) Investment Advisory Services are offered through 4Thought Financial Group Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The content presented here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment advisory services or performance. This website is in no way a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services except, where applicable, in states where we are registered (or notice filed) or where an exemption or exclusion from such registration exists. Information throughout this site, including, but not limited to, stock quotes, charts, articles or any other statement or statements regarding market or other financial information, is obtained from sources which we, and our suppliers believe reliable, but we do not warrant or guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of this information. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future performance. Neither we nor our information providers shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies, regardless of cause, or the lack of timeliness of, or for any delay or interruption in the transmission thereof to the user. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RESULTS OBTAINED FROM ANY INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS OR ANY LINKED WEBSITE. Any opinions presented here are subject to change at any time without notice. Any comments or postings are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Investments are not guaranteed, involve risk and may result in a loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not suitable for all types of investors. \*4Thought Financial Group claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein. The GIPS firm definition excludes any third party asset management programs over which 4Thought maintains oversight advisory agreements on behalf of its clients, any arrangements under which 4Thought provides recommendations for client self-implementation, and any assets under advisory but not under direct management (in which 4Thought provides allocation changes or trading signals to third party firms but does not take discretion over the trading of client accounts). GIPS-compliant performance information for 4Thought's strategies may be obtained by email at [info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com); on the 4Thought website at [https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests); or by phone at (516) 300-1617. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Syosset", "addressRegion" : "New York", "postalCode" : "11791", "streetAddress" : "6851 Jericho Turnpike Suite 120" }, "alternateName" : "4 Thought Financial Group", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "latitude" : "+40.8100713", "longitude" : "-73.5172286" }, "geoRadius" : "150 km" }, "description" : "Successful retirement is dependent upon using an investing approach that performs in a wide variety of market conditions. 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