Blog

Tip #11 - How to handle a share market downturn

by Tony Ryburn, Executive Chairman, Sharesight | Jul 23rd 2013

Every week we post a tip that we hope will help you become a successful share market investor.

Tip# 11 -- How to handle a share market downturn

If the share market crashes there are two important rules to follow. Rule 1. DON’T PANIC. Rule 2. If you do panic, refer to Rule 1.

You know in advance downturns will happen from time to time just as you know that in the long run shares are likely to give you the best return – see Tip #1.

If the share market takes a tumble you have made a paper loss; not a real one. Ask yourself if you know a better place (under the bed?) to put your money than in the share market – especially when it is at low point! As long as you don’t bail out you won’t crystallise a loss and you are guaranteed to participate 100% in the inevitable bounce back! See here for other points to ponder before you sell out of the share market.

This information is not a recommendation nor a statement of opinion. You should consult an independent financial adviser before making any decisions with respect to your shares in relation to the information that is presented in this article.

FURTHER READING

Top Trades October 2026

October top trades: Investors buy the AI selloff

by Jen Robson | Nov 5th 2026

The Nasdaq had its worst month since March 2025 and Sharesight investors bought the dip. See October’s most traded shares, from NVIDIA to NextDC.

Calculate performance on cash accounts with Sharesight

Your complete portfolio performance: Product updates, October 2026

by Milly Brent | Oct 28th 2026

This month we added cash account performance, Australian funds composition data, faster custom investment price imports, and upgraded several reports.

Woman checking her Sharesight account on her mobile phone

Same foundations, different convictions: how Australian men and women really invest

by Stephanie Stefanovic | Oct 27th 2026

Sharesight data shows Australian men and women share the same core ETFs – but women lead on ethical investing and buy-and-hold, while men trade more actively.