June 27, 2016 | By Charles Lowenhaupt

The UK vote to leave the EU is an epochal event. Its ramifications will be substantial for Europe and the world. No one knows what will happen next, but the passage of time will offer knowledge we do not have now.

Most immediately, the results have included dramatic drops in world markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 610 points, losing 3.4% of its value on the day after the Brexit vote was taken. We are likely to see continued volatility in the markets.

At times like this, the natural question is, “What should I do?” In our view, you should do what you should always do – remain thoughtful and measured.

In the more than 100 years we have been helping families, we have seen many disruptions and cataclysmic events. These include war, natural disasters and most recently for financial markets, the markets of October 1987 and October 2008.

So what can we learn from the past?

• Patience and resolve are fundamental for private wealth holders. Taking the long view is how families have ridden out the peaks and valleys of the markets.

• Clever and overly creative solutions may look like safe harbors, but more often than not they are the refuge of crooks like Bernie Madoff or failures like Lehman. Steer away from these options and instead anchor your investments in deliberate process and careful consideration, as these are how to preserve and protect wealth. Uncertainty creates volatility. Volatility can lead to panic, and panic interferes with sound process.

• It’s important to remember that the most successful investment portfolios over the long term have had substantial investments in well-run, publicly traded companies. Most of those companies today are global and know better than anyone how to navigate the waters of economic and political instability. A diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds is still the most effective way to manage wealth.

• Maintaining liquidity is key because that provides flexibility. Particularly in times of volatility, ensuring that there is adequate cash for several years will provide the comfort that expenses can be met regardless of market action.

During World War II, the British Government launched a campaign to raise the morale of a country under devastating attack. One of the byproducts of that effort was a series of posters, so characteristic of the famous British “stiff upper lip.” It seems completely appropriate to follow the advice of the now most famous piece of propaganda, “Keep Calm And Carry On.”

This commentary is only current as of its date and is intended for informational and educational purposes only.  It provides the observations and views of Charles Lowenhaupt, Managing Member, Lowenhaupt & Chasnoff as of the date of writing.  It is not intended as and should not be used as investment advice.  Nor is this commentary legal or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell a security.  Charles Lowenhaupt disclaims any duty to provide recipients of this commentary with any updates or changes to the information provided herein.  Information provided herein may be obtained from third-party sources which we, and our vendors, consider reliable, but we do not independently verify such information, and we make no warranty or guaranty as to the accuracy or timeliness of any information contained herein or the results that may be obtained through its use. Past performance is not indicative of future results.  No part of this material may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Charles Lowenhaupt, Managing Member, Lowenhaupt & Chasnoff.