Market noise is rising. Here’s how to protect your money now

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.Most of us move through our days submerged in routines, juggling everyday responsibilities. Every now and then, we come up for air, a brief pause to disconnect and reset. But that’s getting harder.Even these moments are now crowded with conversations about war, fragile markets and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on jobs.

The anxiety lingers, spilling into conversations with people dealing with layoffs or market losses.You can’t control the noise. But dwelling on it only adds to the stress, especially if you’re not taking steps to protect your finances.To help you tighten your financial seatbelt, Mint Money spoke to experts and asked five pointed questions:Gajendra Kothari, co-founder, Etica WealthGiven the current environment of heightened geopolitical risks, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI)-led disruption, investors should be prepared for the possibility that equity markets may deliver negative returns this calendar year. The last time markets posted a negative annual return was in 2015 (-5%).

While markets have remained largely flat over the past 18 months, they could stay at similar levels for another year.Do nothing. Continue with your systematic investment plans (SIPs). If markets fall by 10%, consider adding a lump sum.

Maintain around 10–15% as dry powder in liquid funds. Markets throw up opportunities from time to time, and in a flat market, having liquidity helps in topping up during short-term corrections.Maintain a minimum of 12 months of expenses in liquid funds. Six months may be too risky, particularly if only one spouse is earning.