OREANDA-NEWS. The ups and downs of the markets may have proven to be too much of a roller coaster ride for many young investors. Market Volatility Makes a Difference, the 2016 Market Sentiment Report launched today by Sun Life Global Investments, reveals more than half (51 per cent) of Millennials between the ages of 18 and 30 would rather experience less volatility even if it means passing on opportunities to earn higher rates of return.

The report also found:

  • 44 per cent of Millennials classified themselves as somewhat or highly risk averse;
  • 44 per cent described their investment approach as conservative; and
  • 33 per cent of Millennials sold their investments to raise cash, with half saying fear of losing money was the trigger.

"Investors are feeling the negative effects of recent market turbulence, but none as much as the Millennials, which is surprising," said Sadiq S. Adatia, Chief Investment Officer, Sun Life Global Investments. "They could potentially be putting their retirement savings in jeopardy by investing so conservatively. These are investors with a long time horizon who should consider taking on more risk for the potential to earn higher returns  ?  there are solutions that can help."

Forty-eight per cent of Millennials said recent market volatility has led them to have more frequent conversations with their financial advisors – more than any other age group.

When asked what the most valuable piece of advice they received from their advisors, investors overall pointed to staying the course at 42 per cent. This is in line with the 43 per cent of advisors who said this was the most valuable advice they shared with clients.

"It's encouraging to hear that as Millennials were anxious about the markets they turned to their financial advisors for guidance," said Cindy Crean, Managing Director, Private Client, Sun Life Global Investments.  "It's important they don't let emotions guide their investing decisions."   

About Sun Life Global Investments (Canada) Inc.

Sun Life Global Investments offers Canadians a diverse lineup of mutual funds and innovative portfolio solutions, empowering them to pursue their financial goals at every life stage. We bring together the strength of one of Canada's most trusted names in financial services with some of the best asset managers from around the world to deliver a truly global investment platform. Sun Life Global Investments manages more than $13 billion on behalf of institutional and retail investors from coast to coast and is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $861 billion.