Weekly insights on the markets, economy, and financial planning
Missing Just ONE Day in the Market Can Derail Your Year [Video]
May 22, 2025
Mike Minter
In the world of investing, sometimes all it takes is one day to make a significant difference in your portfolio’s performance. At Financial Synergies, we often remind our clients that long-term success isn’t about timing the market—it’s about time in the market. I want to share a recent example that powerfully illustrates this principle.
📽️ Below is a video I made discussing this topic in more detail:
The Roller Coaster Ride of 2025
This year has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Markets have seen their fair share of ups and downs, and understandably, that can make investors uneasy. As of May 20th, the S&P 500—a key benchmark for U.S. stocks—is up about 1.5% year-to-date. That might not sound like much, but it’s progress, especially after the volatility we’ve experienced.
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting.
The Impact of Missing a Single Day
Let’s say you happened to miss just one day in the market—April 9th, the best day so far this year. If you were sitting on the sidelines that day, your return wouldn’t be 1.5%. It would be -7.3%.
That’s right—a nearly 9% swing in performance from just one missed day.
Obviously this is a dramatic example, and I’m not suggesting anyone cashed out of the market on April 9th. But in this case it’s not an exaggeration. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to stay invested, even when it feels uncomfortable or counterintuitive. Because the best days in the market often arrive right after the worst—when fear is high, headlines are grim, and emotions are running hot.
Why Market Timing Rarely Works
Trying to time the market is not only incredibly difficult—it can be incredibly costly. The emotional urge to “do something” during turbulent times might lead to selling at exactly the wrong moment, only to miss the rebound that follows.
Short-term decisions made in moments of fear can undermine years of careful planning. And while it may feel relieving to exit the market during a downturn, the long-term damage from missing key recovery days can be substantial.
Focus on What Really Matters
As financial advisors, our role goes beyond building diversified portfolios. We’re here to help you stay focused on what truly matters—your long-term financial goals. Market noise will always exist. Predicting the next big move isn’t the objective. Being there when the recovery happens is.
So if you ever feel uneasy about what’s happening in the market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to talk, to listen, and to guide you through uncertainty.
The Bottom Line
The market rewards discipline, patience, and perspective. Don’t let one missed day derail your year.
Stay the course. Stay invested. And remember, you’re not in this alone.
Need to talk about your investment strategy or financial goals?
We’re just a call or email away. Let’s ensure your plan stays on track, no matter what the market throws our way.
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
This content, which may contain security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own financial advisors as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this “post” (including any related blogs, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as the views of Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or performance returns of any Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. client.
Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its employees. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Nothing on this website or Blog constitutes investment or financial planning advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. It also should not be construed as an offer soliciting the purchase or sale of any security mentioned. Nor should it be construed as an offer to provide investment advisory services by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Any charts provided here or on any related Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. personnel content outlets are for informational purposes only, and should also not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Information in charts have been obtained from third-party sources and data, and may include those from portfolio securities of funds managed by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. All content speaks only as of the date indicated.
Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Missing Just ONE Day in the Market Can Derail Your Year [Video]
In the world of investing, sometimes all it takes is one day to make a significant difference in your portfolio’s performance. At Financial Synergies, we often remind our clients that long-term success isn’t about timing the market—it’s about time in the market. I want to share a recent example that powerfully illustrates this principle.
📽️ Below is a video I made discussing this topic in more detail:
The Roller Coaster Ride of 2025
This year has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Markets have seen their fair share of ups and downs, and understandably, that can make investors uneasy. As of May 20th, the S&P 500—a key benchmark for U.S. stocks—is up about 1.5% year-to-date. That might not sound like much, but it’s progress, especially after the volatility we’ve experienced.
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting.
The Impact of Missing a Single Day
Let’s say you happened to miss just one day in the market—April 9th, the best day so far this year. If you were sitting on the sidelines that day, your return wouldn’t be 1.5%. It would be -7.3%.
That’s right—a nearly 9% swing in performance from just one missed day.
Obviously this is a dramatic example, and I’m not suggesting anyone cashed out of the market on April 9th. But in this case it’s not an exaggeration. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to stay invested, even when it feels uncomfortable or counterintuitive. Because the best days in the market often arrive right after the worst—when fear is high, headlines are grim, and emotions are running hot.
Why Market Timing Rarely Works
Trying to time the market is not only incredibly difficult—it can be incredibly costly. The emotional urge to “do something” during turbulent times might lead to selling at exactly the wrong moment, only to miss the rebound that follows.
Short-term decisions made in moments of fear can undermine years of careful planning. And while it may feel relieving to exit the market during a downturn, the long-term damage from missing key recovery days can be substantial.
Focus on What Really Matters
As financial advisors, our role goes beyond building diversified portfolios. We’re here to help you stay focused on what truly matters—your long-term financial goals. Market noise will always exist. Predicting the next big move isn’t the objective. Being there when the recovery happens is.
So if you ever feel uneasy about what’s happening in the market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to talk, to listen, and to guide you through uncertainty.
The Bottom Line
The market rewards discipline, patience, and perspective. Don’t let one missed day derail your year.
Stay the course. Stay invested. And remember, you’re not in this alone.
Need to talk about your investment strategy or financial goals?
We’re just a call or email away. Let’s ensure your plan stays on track, no matter what the market throws our way.
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
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Blog Disclosures
This content, which may contain security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own financial advisors as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this “post” (including any related blogs, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as the views of Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or performance returns of any Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. client.
Any opinions expressed herein do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. or its employees. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Nothing on this website or Blog constitutes investment or financial planning advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. It also should not be construed as an offer soliciting the purchase or sale of any security mentioned. Nor should it be construed as an offer to provide investment advisory services by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Any charts provided here or on any related Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. personnel content outlets are for informational purposes only, and should also not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Information in charts have been obtained from third-party sources and data, and may include those from portfolio securities of funds managed by Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. All content speaks only as of the date indicated.
Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors, Inc. and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
See Full Disclosures Page Here
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