Wealth management clients are increasingly demanding portfolios that can withstand the market whiplash triggered by a relentless stream of news headlines, according to advisors interviewed by InvestLin. The phenomenon, which some advisors call 'headline-proofing,' reflects a growing desire to decouple portfolio performance from daily news cycles.
Rex Berger, a private wealth manager at Generation Capital Advisors, noted that the current environment presents headline risk almost daily, from geopolitical developments to policy shifts. The hardest part for clients, he said, is not the volatility itself but watching their portfolio values fluctuate in real time alongside those headlines. 'Preparation before turbulence hits,' Berger emphasized, is key. He advocates for a clearly articulated plan showing how short-term market movements fit into longer-term trajectories, particularly by ensuring clients have three to five years of spending needs covered through strategic liquidity positioning.
Berger has found options to be effective tools for building buffers and establishing risk-off parameters. He has implemented collar strategies for corporate executives to lock in profits while protecting against downside risk, especially for clients with concentrated positions or approaching major liquidity events. 'These aren't speculative trades—they're thoughtful risk management overlays that give clients peace of mind during uncertain periods,' Berger said.
Beyond options, Berger has increased exposure to private markets and alternative investments for high-net-worth clients. These assets do not mark to market daily, which he says encourages a longer time horizon. 'Not seeing those daily fluctuations is actually a feature, not a bug; it removes the emotional trigger that causes so many investors to make poor decisions at exactly the wrong time,' Berger added.
Patrick Mundlin, market vice president at 49 Financial, said resilient client conversations in 2026 are about helping clients understand they have a plan that anticipates risks, so retirement income won't require emotionally driven decisions during market downturns. 'What clients want most is confidence: that if there's a significant market pullback, the planning and framework we've accounted for this possibility. Clients increasingly want to understand tradeoffs, not just outcomes,' Mundlin said.
Mundlin has turned to structured investments as a key tool, particularly for clients in a season of life where 'getting on base matters more than hitting home runs.' These strategies protect a portion of principal in exchange for capping some upside, addressing both the math of retirement income and the emotional reality of volatile markets. 'The right approach always depends on the individual client's goals, timeline, and risk tolerance, but for many clients, knowing a portion of their assets is protected allows them to stay the course rather than make reactive decisions,' Mundlin said.
Mike Martin, vice president of market strategy at TradingBlock, argued that large swings across almost every asset class are the new normal. He expressed surprise that the CBOE Volatility Index remains relatively low given global risks. 'To compete with inflation and the debasement of the U.S. dollar, I think all investors want to have some exposure to equities, regardless of age. It’s hard to break even, let alone get ahead, sitting in Treasuries. Over the long run, we all adapt. Investors need to put everything into context, understand the tradeoffs they’re making, and size positions in a way that allows them to stay invested through volatility,' Martin said.
The trend aligns with broader shifts in portfolio construction. As advisors rethink fixed income's role amid rising bond yields, many are exploring alternative strategies to manage risk. Some advisors remain skeptical of stagflation calls but are hedging portfolios accordingly. Meanwhile, rising bond yields are prompting advisors to reassess fixed income allocations.
Advisors also note that technology is reshaping client relationships. AI is separating transactional advisors from strategic coaches, as clients increasingly expect sophisticated planning tools. The push for headline-proof portfolios underscores the need for advisors to act as strategic partners rather than mere investment managers.
