Advisors urge staying the course after sharp market sell-off

Financial advisors are advising clients to maintain their portfolios following Thursday's sharp market decline, despite heavy selling by retail investors. More than three-quarters of respondents in a CNBC flash poll said investors should check their asset allocation against goals or simply stay the course. The S&P 500 suffered its worst one-day drop since April 2025, while the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 5.5%, entering correction territory.

Analysts linked the sell-off to fears of a slowdown in data center construction following major Democratic election wins. Technology stocks tumbled, causing the Dow to give back its post-midterm election gains. Advisors noted that for those continuing to contribute to 401(k) plans, the decline offers an opportunity to buy investments at lower prices through dollar-cost averaging.

Experts emphasized that resilience often proves more profitable than trying to time market swings. While historical patterns suggest markets often rise in the 12 months after midterm elections, advisors view this as context rather than a guarantee. Investors are encouraged to tune out noise and ensure their investments still fit their risk tolerance and long-term financial plans.

Read the full story at cnbc.com.