When markets fall: a checklist before you change your plan

Prices move because news, rates, earnings and sentiment move. Short stretches of decline have happened many times in market-linked investing. A fall is not, by itself, proof that your goal is cancelled.

Nobody can reliably call the bottom. Education from SEBI and AMFI repeatedly stresses risk awareness over tip-driven reaction.

Before you touch the redeem button

• Confirm the original time horizon for this money.
• Check that your emergency fund is still intact.
• Ask whether your life goal date moved — not just whether headlines got louder.
• Re-read the scheme riskometer and risk factors you accepted.
• If you still want to change course, write the reason in one sentence you would show a sceptical friend.

What “staying invested” does and does not mean

Staying invested means continuing a contribution and horizon you already chose — if those still fit your life. It does not mean ignoring a genuine change in when you need the money. It also does not guarantee recovery on any schedule.