What Market Conditions In 2023 Could Mean For Your Pension Investments

28th June 2023

Scottish Widows looks at the outlook for investments affecting pensions.

It's normal for the value of your pension to go up and down over the short term. This is because your pension is likely to be invested in company shares and other stock market investments that also carry risk.

Unlike money held in a bank account, stock market investments tend to go through periods of upwards and downwards price movements, including sudden changes over the short term. This is known as volatility. Investment is all about making your money work for you and involves taking some risk and accepting some volatility.

Various factors can affect the prices of stock market investments. For example, in recent months, issues like the state of the global economy, rising prices of goods and services, international political developments and the continuing impact of Covid-19 have all contributed to stock market volatility.

One thing to keep in mind is that your pension is a longer-term investment, which is likely to be held over many years. So, while short-term changes can be unsettling, it's important not to panic. Maintaining a longer-term view can help you make better investment decisions.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. However stock market investments have historically tended to outperform money held in savings accounts over the longer term.

If you are reviewing your pension investments, we would strongly suggest discussing any potential changes with your financial adviser. We can help you find an adviser if you don't already have one. Advisers will normally charge for advice.