Soundtrack for Bear Markets

By: Brian A. Magnan CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®

Director – Magnan Family Wealth Management

I just watched a movie by a fellow Chicagoan and Chicago Cubs fan, John Cusack, called High Fidelity. The movie is littered with stars who went on to great careers, but the charming part for me is how the main characters create Top-5 lists of songs for different life events.

In that spirit, here is my Top-5 soundtrack for a bear market in equities:

1.  It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) – R.E.M.


If these guys can feel fine when all this bad stuff is happening in the world, so can I. 

          “That’s great, it starts with an earthquake.”

2.  We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel


          The world’s always been messy, but progress never stops. 

          “It was always burning since the world’s been turning.”

3.  I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty


          Sticking to the plan no matter what. 

          “And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down.”

4.  Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin


          Stress is the gateway drug to making bad decisions. 

“In every life we have some trouble / When you worry you make it double.”

5.  Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles


          THE anthem for the eventual recovery, no matter how long it takes. 

          “Little darlin’, it feels like years since it’s been here.”

So the next time the S&P 500 is down 20% or more, consider adding a few of these songs to your playlist. While periods of market volatility can be uncomfortable, maintaining perspective and keeping your long-term goals in mind can be helpful. A thoughtfully designed investment plan may help provide context during challenging market environments.

What would be on your playlist?

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