Markets are a rollercoaster right now. Between tariffs, trade wars, geopolitical unrest, and unpredictable economic signals, even seasoned investors are feeling the whiplash. But volatility doesn’t have to mean panic—especially for those planning their retirement.

On a recent episode of Leibel on Fire, I sat down with hedge fund manager Ian Naismith of Algo IQ to talk about what’s really happening in the markets—and how his fund has managed to sidestep losses and even turn a profit while others are scrambling.

If you're in your 50s and starting to worry about how these market swings could affect your retirement, this is a conversation you need to hear.

The Canary in the Coal Mine: Volatility

Ian and I both agree—volatility is the canary in the coal mine. It’s a leading indicator that something is brewing beneath the surface. Ian pointed out that prior to every major market event—whether it was the 2000 dot-com bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, or the COVID-19 crash—there were signs. Those signs showed up as abnormally large market moves both up and down, disrupting the usual rhythm of returns.

What’s happening now isn’t new. It’s part of a recurring pattern of market psychology and global disruption. The key is knowing how to read those signs—and react before the crowd does.

Why Most Investors Panic

The average investor reacts emotionally when markets dip—selling low, buying high, or fleeing to safety too soon. But as Ian said, “It’s only when the tide goes out that we see who’s swimming naked.” Translation? If you’re not protected—through smart asset allocation, hedging strategies, or proactive management—you’re going to feel every bump in the road.

That’s why so many portfolios are suffering right now. They’re not designed to withstand shocks. Passive investors, who ride the market all the way up and all the way down, can experience massive drawdowns that set back their retirement plans by years.

How Ian Beat the Market

Ian’s strategy is a powerful example of active management done right. His hedge fund uses algorithmic trading models that are time-agnostic—meaning they work whether markets are up, down, or sideways. These algorithms identify high-probability momentum and contrarian trades, allowing Ian to rotate assets, hedge risk, and stay agile.

In fact, while the S&P 500 was down nearly 20%, Ian’s fund only experienced a 3.5% drawdown. On the high-yield bond side, his drawdown was just 0.21%. That’s the power of knowing where your entry points are, sizing your positions carefully, and respecting market behavior.

As he put it: “Celebrate when you're not losing money during chaos, and don’t worry if you miss the first 5-10% of a rebound. You’ll come out ahead in the long run.”

What This Means for You

If you're planning for retirement and wondering what to do right now, take this as your wake-up call. Passive investing may not give you the downside protection you need when nearing retirement. You’ve worked hard to build your nest egg—don’t let market chaos eat it away.

Working with a financial advisor who understands both passive and active strategies can help you design a retirement plan that can weather storms and take advantage of opportunities.

At Yields4U, we offer access to investment strategies like Ian’s fixed income models—designed for low drawdowns and consistent returns. Whether you're five years from retirement or already retired, it's not too late to make smarter moves.

Want to protect your portfolio from the next market storm?
Schedule your free consultation today HERE.