Mission First: Maintain Focus to Reach Your Financial Destination
April 6, 2026
By Ted Hanson
Portfolio Manager
Last week, I made it home from work just in time to see NASA’s historic launch of the Artemis II mission. It was hard not to be struck by the breathtaking skyward climb and the precision, dedication, and engineering required to make such a moment possible. However, history reminds us that even carefully planned missions don’t always go as expected.
In 1970, the crew of the Apollo 13 mission experienced that reality firsthand when an oxygen tank exploded mid-flight, turning a routine mission into a fight for survival. What followed wasn’t panic, but a disciplined execution. The team focused on what they could control and was able to methodically complete the one clear objective: bringing the crew home safely. The same mindset is especially relevant in today’s financial markets, where volatility can make even the most carefully planned goals feel uncertain.
After starting the year positive and optimistic, financial markets retreated and the S&P 500 ending the first quarter down almost 5%. While declines can feel unsettling, they are a normal part of investing. The chart below, provided by J.P. Morgan, shows that despite an average intra-year decline over 14%, the S&P 500 finished positive 35 of the past 46 years. Even last year, markets retreated nearly 20% after tariff policy changes but still finished the calendar year with double digit gains. Rarely does the mission go according to plan in the short term, however investors who stay disciplined and focused are often rewarded.
One of the most effective ways to control volatility is through diversification. The chart below, also provided by J.P. Morgan, shows the annual returns of various asset classes. One thing you will notice is leadership constantly rotates. For example, last year’s top performers (international and large cap equities) are among this year’s laggards, while real estate (which trailed in 2025) is one of the few asset classes with positive performance in 2026. The takeaway being, it is very difficult to consistently predict how asset classes will perform any given year, but maintaining broad exposures helps capture opportunities while reducing overall volatility.
Having a carefully constructed plan is one of the first steps in achieving your financial goals. Sticking to your preparation and remaining focused during challenging times is equally as important. The ever-changing headlines and economic outlook will continue to drive short-term market movements. Over the long term, these moments will look like a blip on the radar. Our clients have a team at SNB dedicated to assist them with their financial mission. Please reach out today if you’d like to discuss your plan, we are here to help.