In the first 90 days of a new U.S. administration, one thing is certain: uncertainty. Markets react. Investors speculate. And political shifts, whether real or rumored, ripple through portfolios. For wealth managers and their clients, these early months are less about prediction and more about preparation.
According to Jeffrey Fratarcangeli, founder and managing principal of Fratarcangeli Wealth Management, the key to navigating this kind of economic environment isn’t timing the market, it’s building habits that outlast it.
“Be patient. Be prepared. And don’t overreact,” Jeffrey Fratarcangeli said. “That’s the formula. It’s not flashy, but it works.”
Here are four takeaways Jeffrey Fratarcangeli and his team are focusing on as markets adjust to a new presidential administration:
Volatility is Inevitable and Patience is Critical
Stock markets typically experience turbulence during administrative transitions, and this year is no exception. From foreign policy shifts to new regulations and trade uncertainty, early policy changes can spark emotional responses in the market.
“Every time a new administration comes in, there’s uncertainty, and the markets don’t like uncertainty,” Jeffrey Fratarcangeli said. “But you’ve got to remember, worst-case scenarios usually don’t play out the way people fear in the moment.”
That’s why his advice to clients hasn’t changed: stay patient. “You can’t make emotional decisions during a dip and expect long-term results,” he added. “Ride it out with a solid strategy.”
Liquidity Isn’t a Luxury, It’s a Requirement
One of the biggest vulnerabilities investors face during volatile periods? Lack of liquidity. Those who aren’t properly positioned may be forced to sell long-term investments at inopportune times just to cover short-term needs.
“If you don’t have cash on hand or an emergency buffer, you’re putting yourself in a bad spot,” Jeffrey Fratarcangeli said. “Markets can drop 15% in a matter of days, and if you need liquidity right then, you’re selling low.”
The lesson? Build an allocation strategy that includes enough short-term reserves to avoid panic selling, especially during times of political transition.
Disruption Creates Opportunity For The Disciplined
While the market often reacts harshly to early policy speculation, such as tariff changes or tax reforms, those reactions can also create opportunity. Valuations can dip well below fundamentals, offering long-term investors a chance to layer in.
“People assume the worst and price it in like it’s guaranteed. It rarely is,” said Jeffrey Fratarcangeli. “Let the market react. You stick to your strategy.”
That strategy, he says, might include dollar-cost averaging and periodic rebalancing, but always with a focus on long-term growth. “If you stay calm, stay intentional and follow a plan that’s built to weather volatility, you’re going to come out stronger,” he added.
Communication Builds Confidence
For wealth managers, the early days of a new administration are a crucial time to reinforce trust. The Fratarcangeli Wealth Management team has leaned into that by ramping up direct communication with their clients and internally, sharing regular market updates, making one-on-one calls, and scheduling daily team huddles to align messaging.
“We’re on the phones all day,” Jeffrey Fratarcangeli said. “Not because we’re chasing the news, but because clients want to know their plans still hold. And if you’ve done the work up front, it does.”
Frequent touchpoints, he says, are less about predicting policy outcomes and more about reinforcing strategy. “This is when people need leadership. You’ve got to show them you’re looking ahead — not reacting.”
Stay Prepared and Grounded
Transitions in Washington will always come with noise. But smart investors, and the advisors guiding them, know that success comes not from sidestepping disruption, but from staying grounded through it.
“You can either put your head in the sand, or you can use this moment to educate and strengthen habits,” said Jeffrey Fratarcangeli. “This administration, like the last, will bring change. But if your financial foundation is solid, you don’t have to flinch.”
Jeffrey Fratarcangeli regularly shares no-nonsense market updates that cut through the noise to offer a grounded perspective on what matters and what doesn’t. To follow his latest commentary, visit https://fratarcangeliwealth.com/videos/.
Securities offered through Thurston Springer Financial, a registered Broker-Dealer (Member FINRA & SIPC). Investment advisory services offered through Thurston Springer Advisors, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products offered through Thurston Springer Financial, an Indiana Insurance Agency.
The information contained herein constitutes general information and is not directed to, designed for, or individually tailored to, any particular investor or potential investor. This is not intended to be a client-specific suitability or best interest analysis or recommendation, an offer to participate in any investment, or a recommendation to buy, hold or sell securities.
Disclaimer: This article contains sponsored marketing content. It is intended for promotional purposes and should not be considered as an endorsement or recommendation by our website. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.
