Why Is It Important to Invest During Inflation?

From pain at the gas pump to higher grocery prices, Americans are feeling the effects of the latest inflation surge. Unfortunately, economists still don’t know just how long this period of high inflation will last. Advice on how people should react financially has been varied and sometimes even contradictory.

If you invest or you’re thinking about investing, you’re likely concerned about your money losing value in such a volatile market. The truth is, it’s wise to invest during times of inflation. Here’s why.

Investing Offsets Inflation

Inflation occurs naturally in every economy. Luckily, strategic investments can become more valuable much faster than the rate of inflation. While your dollars will lose the 2-3% that’s common with healthy annual inflation (check out the 20-year average), you’ll have capital gains (gains you get from investing) that more than offset it. Here’s a simple example:

Hassan has $10,000 in a savings account. If the rate of inflation is 3%, by the end of the year, he’ll still have the same amount, but it will actually be worth $9,700. If he invests that money instead and earns 4%, he’ll walk away with $10,400 that has an actual value of $10,100 after he factors in inflation.

When you subtract the rate of inflation from capital gains, you get something called the real rate of return. A good investment will have a real rate of return that’s higher than inflation.
 

Think About Wealth in the Long Term

The federal government tries to keep inflation in check by monitoring and manipulating interest rates. When inflation creeps up, so do interest rates. This can shake the stock market and cause volatility that scares everyday investors away. Don’t get spooked! Making drastic, reactionary changes to your portfolio could hurt your long-term investing goals.

Sometimes, keeping a long-term mindset when it comes to your investment strategy means reaching out for professional help. You can review, amend or build your investment plan with a Navy Federal Investment Services financial advisor, even using our search function to find one in your state.

And remember, compound interest (the interest you earn on your interest) is more powerful than current levels of inflation.
 

Quick Tips for New Investors

Investing in inflationary climates can be scary for new investors, but it’s essential if you want to make your money work for you. Want to find more investing resources? Check out Navy Federal Credit Union’s MakingCents hub to learn all about the basics of investing.