EDITOR’S NOTE: GuideStone Financial Resources recommends this release be restricted to electronic reproduction due to volatility in the stock markets and the time-sensitive nature of the information.
DALLAS (BP)–GuideStone Financial Resources launched a new Web resource for its participants Oct. 14 to answer commonly asked questions about recent market volatility.
The resource page includes a video featuring GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins and Chief Operating Officer John R. Jones answering commonly asked questions; articles by GuideStone Capital Management’s investment team; and other help via workbooks and presentations. It can be accessed by clicking on the banner at the top of GuideStone’s website, www.GuideStone.org.
The resources are in response to the volatile market conditions brought on by a worsening credit crunch.
“The recent world crisis in the financial markets has raised many questions that need to be answered,” Hawkins said. “Some of our participants have called or written us expressing concern for the security and future of their retirement accounts.
“These past 20 years have been some of the most tumultuous times in the financial markets. We have worked through the tech bubble, the terrorist attacks on American soil, the housing bubble and now the failure and consolidation of large financial institutions.”
Jones emphasized that diversification — both in good and weak economic times — is key to a successful long-term plan.
“By investing in mutual funds, like those offered by GuideStone Funds, you have the added benefit of investment diversification in a large number of companies that operate in a wide range of industries,” Jones said. “While diversification will not eliminate the
possibility of investment loss in times like these, it does limit our financial exposure to the performance of any individual company in which we invest.
“The market is cyclical, and no one can know tomorrow’s returns,” Jones continued. “GuideStone has weathered past uncertainty and continues to serve our participants with retirement, life and health plans, and investment opportunities. As we have done for 90 years, GuideStone is committed to serving its participants through these challenging times and remains keenly focused on the trust our participants have placed in us.”
The resource page will be updated periodically, as warranted. GuideStone participants also can sign up on the website for free e-newsletters with educational articles and tips for their finances and life and health needs.
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Roy Hayhurst is senior marketing communications editor for GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. To view the video by GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins and Chief Operating Officer John R. Jones, go to http://www.guidestonefunds.org/commentary/2008marketwatch.aspx.
