Why Do We Panic So Quickly?

Optimism can disappear in an instant. A small market drop, and suddenly, investor sentiment craters. Historically low levels of optimism and soaring pessimism are nothing new—they happen whenever uncertainty rises.

When fear takes over, volatility spikes and stock prices retreat. But financial markets aren’t the only concern. Worries about government stability, the economy, Social Security, global trade, and global conflicts often fuel a sense of crisis.

It’s tempting to believe this time is different. But history is full of moments that felt like breaking points: the Cuban Missile Crisis, 9/11, the Great Financial Crisis. In the moment, uncertainty felt unbearable. In hindsight, we see how things stabilized and moved forward.

Today’s nonstop news cycle amplifies every crisis, making patience and discipline harder than ever. But here’s the reality: Preparation matters. We plan for uncertainty, building resilience into financial strategies.

No plan eliminates risk, but a well-built one fosters confidence. The world will always feel chaotic, but history favors resilience. And those who stay the course are often rewarded in the end.

This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as and should not be used to provide investment advice and is not an offer to sell a security or a recommendation to buy a security.

Russ Kefauver is an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ with over fifteen years of financial planning experience.