Investing through turbulence: your questions answered

Times of geopolitical tension and uncertainty can leave even the most experienced investors feeling uneasy – and our latest survey shows just how widespread those concerns are. With markets reacting sharply to the conflict in the Middle East, many DIY investors are questioning whether their portfolios will recover, how they should respond, and whether they have the right guidance in place.

Here are some of the most common worries shared by investors along with clear, level‑headed guidance to help you navigate uncertainty.

I’m worried about my investments not recovering

According to our latest survey, nearly two thirds (61%)* of DIY investors in the UK are worried about their investments not recovering. Drilling down further into these numbers, of those who are worried, one in four (25%) were said to be 'very concerned'. 

Reading the news headlines and logging in to your online account only to see your investments fall sharply  overnight is never nice to watch – especially when it’s your life-long savings that you’ve worked so hard to build up. 

While the current geopolitical situation is concerning for many, the key thing for investors is to keep a long-term view and remember that markets historically tend to rise strongly over longer periods. Past examples in recent years such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia/Ukraine war and President Trumps’ tariff announcement act as useful reminder to us that tough times don’t last forever, and markets do eventually recover.

I don’t know how to change my investment portfolio 

Making wholesale changes to portfolio during periods of market volatility is rarely a good idea. The human brain is an emotional one. It’ll tell you to sell the investments that are performing poorly in that moment and replace them with stocks that are on the way up, or offering at least some level of shelter from the worst of the volatility. 

The best thing you can usually do in periods of uncertainty is to sit tight and ride out the storm. A diversified portfolio that holds a range of investments across asset classes (shares, bonds, alternatives etc), sectors and geographies is designed to withstand these market shocks and remains the best way to navigate choppy market conditions.

As an investor, financial resilience is just as important as good stock selection – that’s why we continue to highlight the important of balance and calm rather than reacting to short-term market movements.

One quote that springs to mind in times of crises is from Warren Buffett – “be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful”. Could the latest change in market sentiment be an opportunity to buy the market at lower prices? In fact, more than half (56%) of retail investors are concerned about missing out on the investment opportunities that the current conflict in the Middle East presents.

Read more: How are UK investors reacting to the conflict in the Middle East?

I’m not sure what it means for interest rates

Many investors (58%) are concerned about how the US-Iran conflict will change the trajectory for interest rates in the UK. And rightly so, as interest rates have a direct impact on asset prices and household finances. 

The main concern for the Bank of England (BoE) will be the recent spike in the oil and gas prices, and how that could impact inflation. They have the role of keeping inflation around 2% in the UK. However, the latest reading released in February showed the consumer price index (CPI) at 3% - and this could climb higher as the increased prices at petrol pumps feed into the equation. 

The BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee unanimously voted to hold interest rates at 3.75% when they met this week. The Bank warned that a prolonged energy shock from the conflict in the Middle East could lead to an inflation spike and open the door for higher interest rates. Already there has been an impact on mortgage and savings rates.

Read more: What does the surging oil price mean for your finances?

I’m not sure I have the right advice in place

The survey also revealed that more than half (51%) are concerned about not having the right advice in place.

From my experience speaking to DIY investors, many of them are confident about managing their savings and investments. But that doesn’t mean they want to do it all alone. Understandably, they want to speak to a professional during times of uncertainty, or major life events. 

One of the benefits of being a Charles Stanley Direct client is that you have direct access to a financial professionals when you need it. They can help you gain insights and understanding of your financial situation so you can move forwards with confidence knowing that you’re on the right path. 

Whether you’re concerned about market volatility, unsure about adjusting your portfolio, or simply want reassurance that you’re on the right path, we’re here to support you.

We offer a free, no commitment, 15-minute call to discuss your needs. You can delve deeper into a subject that’s relevant to you through a one-hour coaching session.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,000 DIY Investors in the UK (’Self-Directed’), defined as; investors who actively choose their own investments (stocks, shares, crypto etc), making their own asset allocation decisions, excluding; ‘passive investors’ who just invest in managed ‘index funds’/ETFs who don’t select their own individual stock and instead invest a diversified portfolio that is managed by someone else. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

The data was collected between 05.03.2026 – 09.03.2026.