If you have been following movements in investment markets over the last week or so, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have been on a rollercoaster ride! Without any doubt, volatility remains and in the last 10 days, we have seen the largest fall in US markets since 1938 and the largest one day gain, 11%+ since 1933. Quite remarkable! In my earlier message, I made reference to the best advice being to remain invested in markets and with these huge swings that we have seen, this demonstrates even more the need to sit tight as judging the market at any single point in time, is near impossible.
Whilst I still think it may be premature, some commentators are already talking about having seen the bottom in this particular market and already, we have seen some general recovery and perhaps a certain amount of settling down as the world and markets get to grips with dealing with Covid-19. I am sure there are going to be some more bumps to come though.
On the health front, in many ways the statistics do speak for themselves, although I fear that there is the potential for them to be slightly misleading. For example, the difference in mortality rates being reported from different countries varies greatly, albeit that reference is often made to underlying health conditions. One wonders therefore how often people are being reported as dying from Covid-19, when in fact perhaps they died with it, but in itself, it may not have been the primary cause.
Hopefully, the steps that are being taken for people staying at home and social distancing will bear positive results, although coming to terms with self-isolation is something that I know some people are finding difficult.
Chris, (my wife), is a volunteer for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and I thought that I would share with you something that has been published recently by them that is looking at mental health and well-being. I hope that this information might be of use to you or perhaps someone that you know, who maybe finding the restrictions difficult to deal with.
| As I mentioned, I recognise this is a difficult and uncertain time for all of us, and wanted to share with you some useful information developed by MIND relating to COVID-19 and your wellbeing click here. Please do read through and circulate to friends and family. The Mental Health Foundation has also shared some information relating to your mental health during this time, you can find it here |
Thankfully, technology is helping us and the ability to make video calls and to stay in contact regularly at relatively little or no cost over the Internet is a great asset.
As far as our revised working at RAFP is concerned, I mentioned last week that we are able to cover the office by rotating between the three of us and I am pleased to say that this seems to be working quite well and hopefully therefore, you will not experience any slowdown in response times from us.
We will continue to stay in contact with you, but do let us know if you have any thoughts or concerns.
Our best wishes and stay safe. Richard, Chris and Lesley