Skip header Skip to main content
A digital map of the world.

Here's How Markets Have Reacted to Conflict Historically

Written by The Inspired Investor Team | Published on February 25, 2022

Investing Academy.  Knowledge Supports Success. Visit now.

It's no secret that markets don't like uncertainty. It's also no secret that markets have been facing a lot of it lately as a result of the pandemic, inflation fears and more recently, Russia's attack on Ukraine.

While there's no way to accurately predict how long uncertainties will persist or how markets will react in the future, it can be helpful to take a look back to gauge how markets have responded to major events in the past. With the help of RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM), here we'll focus on equity market reactions to acts of war and terrorism.

In a recently released commentary, RBC GAM noted that acts of war rarely have large or lasting impacts on markets, though periods of heightened uncertainty are common. The following chart looks at how U.S. equity markets have reacted historically.

A chart tracking the historical impact of acts of war on equity markets.

RBC GAM highlights a few specifics to take note of:

  • market declines tend to be short, lasting 5-11 days on average, depending on the situation
  • the actual change in the market is relatively benign, and often more muted than what investors might believe

Again, while past reactions don't determine what will happen in the future, they can provide some context to help us boost our resiliency as investors when markets are volatile.

RBC Direct Investing Inc., RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RBC Direct Investing Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada and is a Member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Royal Bank of Canada and certain of its issuers are related to RBC Direct Investing Inc. RBC Direct Investing Inc. does not provide investment advice v. December 2021 6 or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities. Investors are responsible for their own investment decisions. RBC Direct Investing is a business name used by RBC Direct Investing Inc. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © Royal Bank of Canada 2022.

Any information, opinions or views provided in this document, including hyperlinks to the RBC Direct Investing Inc. website or the websites of its affiliates or third parties, are for your general information only, and are not intended to provide legal, investment, financial, accounting, tax or other professional advice. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Direct Investing Inc. or its affiliates. You should consult with your advisor before taking any action based upon the information contained in this document.

Furthermore, the products, services and securities referred to in this publication are only available in Canada and other jurisdictions where they may be legally offered for sale. If you are not currently resident of Canada, you should not access the information available on the RBC Direct Investing Inc. website.

EXPLORE MORE
Tug of war with eagle in the centre

U.S. Election Effects: What the Race Could Mean for Investors

Here are five things Canadian investors should keep in mind before November 5.

A calendar of important dates for investors.

Key Dates for Investors: August 2024

Dates, deadlines, announcements and more that self-directed investors need to know.

Person using RBC Direct Investing's new features on a summer day.

Navigators: More Trading Hours on Mobile, Direct Investing Webinars & Easy Dashboard Set-ups

Stay cool this summer with RBC Direct Investing’s fresh new features and enhancements.

You Know More Than You Think

A guide to investing in stocks.
Find out more