FINRA Issues "Investor Tips for Turbulent Markets"

FINRA staff recommended measures that investors should consider to ensure financial security during periods of market turbulence.

In an Investment Alert, FINRA recommended that investors:

• establish financial goals that include a "sound" long-term financial plan (e.g., investors aiming to save the IRS annual contribution limit in their companies' 401(k)s);

• diversify investment holdings across all major asset classes, spreading stock holdings across various sectors, and varying the issuer and bond type within a bond portfolio;

• set up automatic payment plans to pay off credit card debt and/or save for unexpected events;

• consider interest-rate risks associated with bonds and fixed-income products, generally;

• be aware of indications of fraud (e.g. pitches advertising "risk-free" investments); and

• work only with registered broker-dealers.