Market Volatility, Tariffs, and Your Financial Strategy
A Message from Your Cornerstone Financial Solutions Advisory Team
At Cornerstone, we believe Clear is Kind. To us, that means open, honest, and timely communication—especially when things feel uncertain. In times of stress, maintaining calm poise and clear thinking is essential—not just for investment decisions, but for well-being.
Understanding Recent Market Volatility
Market Volatility and What’s Driving It
Over the past several days and weeks, we’ve all felt the weight of market volatility. Whether you’re enjoying retirement, preparing for it, or just beginning your financial journey, these moments can stir up concern. That’s why we’re reaching out—to keep you informed, grounded, and confident, even amid the noise.
Market fluctuations have intensified in recent weeks, driven largely by global trade tensions. A key factor is the recent tariff overhaul initiated by President Trump. This effort aims to reshape global trade, revive U.S. manufacturing, and address long-standing imbalances.
These changes come with global ripple effects. Nations across the world—from China to Namibia—are implementing retaliatory tariffs, increasing uncertainty and complicating global economic outlooks.
Tariff Increases at a Glance
- The average effective U.S. tariff may jump to 20–25%, up from 3%in 2024.
- The full impact is still unfolding, with potential for negotiation or de-escalation.
- Short-term volatility is likely to continue.
Historical Context: Uncertainty Isn’t New
Many of you remember navigating other uncertain times—9/11, the Brexit vote, or the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite the fear and uncertainty, in each case markets found their footing and recovered—often sooner than expected.
Bear and Bull Market Patterns Since 1980
- Bear markets: Average decline of 30%, lasting about 282 days
- Bull markets: Average gain of 96%, lasting over 1,000 days
Why Timing the Market Doesn’t Work
10 of the best 20 trading days happened in years with overall losses
11 of the worst trading days occurred in years with positive returns
This data shows that staying invested through market turbulence is one of the most effective long-term wealth strategies. And that’s why our focus remains on the big picture. The last thing we want to do is sell your hard-earned lifetime savings at a discount because of short-term fear. We remain firmly committed to helping you navigate through the noise with confidence and clarity.
A Personal Note from Andrew: The Timeout That Wasn’t
I just got back home last night from a weekend in Omaha, Nebraska, where I was coaching my 8th grade boys’ basketball team.
We started strong—winning our first two games—and in our third game Saturday night, we had a solid 12-point lead with just five minutes left. But then, as sports so often mirrors life, things began to unravel. Slowly, the momentum shifted.
With under 30 seconds remaining, we were clinging to a 2-point lead. I was holding on to my last timeout. Then it happened—we got trapped near the sideline. I was yelling—screaming—for a timeout. But the officials didn’t hear me. We turned the ball over. Five seconds left. The other team launched a deep shot. It went in. Game over. We lost by one.

Andrew Ulvestad
CFP®, AAMS®
Wealth Advisor, RJFS
All night, I replayed it in my head. Should I have called timeout earlier? Subbed differently? But it wasn’t just one play that cost us the game—it was a series of plays—good and bad—over the entire course.
That’s exactly how the market feels right now. Volatile. Frustrating. Emotional. It’s easy to look at one bad day or week and think we should’ve done something differently. But markets, like games, aren’t won or lost in a single moment. They’re shaped by disciplined, consistent decisions over time.
Here’s what’s worth remembering:
- Since 1980, markets have averaged a 10% drop every year,with an average intra-year decline of 13–14%.
- Yet the S&P 500 has delivered around 10% average annual return.
That’s not because there weren’t bad plays—it’s because investors stayed in the game.
So, if you’re feeling anxious, please know: we are here—coaching from the sidelines with a long-term game plan in mind. We can’t control every bounce of the ball, but we can control how we respond.
Recenter, Refocus, and Realign Your Financial Plan
It’s been a rough stretch lately—one of those times where uncertainty creeps in and the future feels more foggy than clear. Just like in Andrew’s basketball game, momentum shifted, and things started to spiral.
It’s easy in moments like that to feel overwhelmed—to lose focus or doubt the plan we set in motion. We know many of you have felt that in your financial lives, too.
But maybe that’s the signal we need—not to panic, but to pause. Let’s call that last timeout.
Let’s:
- Step back: Reflect on your overall financial goals
- Clear your head: Don’t let fear dictate decisions
- Revisit your plan: Make adjustments, not rash moves
There’s still time left on the clock, and staying disciplined, focused, and intentional can make all the difference.
We’re Here to Guide You
Whether you want to realign your investment strategy, revisit your goals, or simply talk about why you started your financial journey, let’s continue to make smart, steady moves together. Sincerely,
Your Cornerstone Financial Solutions Advisory Team

Gordon Wollman
MS-Financial Planning, CFP®, ChFC, CMFC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, ChFEBC℠
Founder & CEO, CFS
Wealth Advisor, RJFS

Jill Mollner
MBA, CFP®

Andrew Ulvestad
Wealth Advisor
CFP®, AAMS®

Jory Flanery
Associate Advisor
Any opinions are those of Cornerstone Financial solutions and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. CSP #767134 Exp. 4.7.26.