Advising Through Uncertainty: How Financial Advisors Build Trust in Volatile Times

If you’ve been in this business long enough, you’ve seen your share of uncertainty. Market downturns, sudden global events, shifting client priorities – none of it is new, but each moment tests your ability to adapt, reassure, and deliver results. The 2008 Global Financial Crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and countless market cycles in between have all shaped how experienced financial advisors approach volatility. And recent Edward Jones data shows those challenges are only intensifying, with 70% of industry financial advisors saying clients are more stressed about market volatility today than they were five years ago.

These are the moments that can define your business. But don’t just take it from me. I spoke with some of our firm’s most experienced financial advisors to better understand their lessons learned.

“One thing I carried forward from 2008 and COVID is that uncertainty always brings opportunity—you just have to stay calm, focused, and keep clients grounded in their long-term goals,” said Kristina Dhountal, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Orlando, Florida.

Uncertain times are often opportunities to show clients exactly why they’ve placed their trust in you – by staying present, offering clarity, and demonstrating the unique value you bring when the stakes are highest. How you respond now can strengthen relationships for years to come.

“The best resource for me has been proactive communication: quick phone calls to hold hands through the turbulence and e-mailed market commentary from our Home Office. This provides an effective foil to the anxiety-inducing headlines constantly bombarding folks during these times,” said Scott Murock, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Firm-provided market volatility resources help financial advisors, like Scott, stay up-to-date and keep clients informed. At Edward Jones, we recognize that while you’re the steady hand for your clients, you deserve the same level of support. Our business model and thousands of Home Office associates help our financial advisors free up time to do what’s most important – serving clients.

“In periods of extreme volatility our clients need to hear from us and as a result we need to be very proactive. It is imperative that we create capacity, streamline business processes, and build team talent so we can be adaptable and responsive when we need it most,” said Scott Nance, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Chandler, Arizona.

The Support You Need to Stay the Course

You know better than anyone that uncertainty isn’t an obstacle – it’s part of the landscape. The difference lies in how you navigate it. With the wisdom from your experience, paired with Edward Jones’ market insights, sophisticated planning tools, and flexible investment solutions, you can use volatility as a moment to lead.

Our role is to ensure you have the resources, bandwidth, and strategic support to focus where it matters most: understanding your clients’ priorities, delivering clarity when they need it most, and positioning them – and your practice – for long-term success. Because in this business, it’s not just about weathering the storm. It’s about helping your clients, and your practice, emerge stronger on the other side.

Learn more about Edward Jones’ market insights resources.