“It is important to realize that for those investors who have not sold stocks the losses are only paper losses and not actual losses. Indeed, for patient investors there may not be any actual losses."”

Harbert College Eminent Scholar in Finance James R. Barth says the stock market drop is temporary and that government funds going to individuals and companies will provide the boost needed to get the economy going again. Most of all, he says investors should not panic.

What is happening to the stock market?

Stocks prices have declined sharply in recent weeks due to the coronavirus and shutdown in large parts of the economy. But the stock market rebounded sharply on March 24 and continued its upward movement early on March 25. This is terrific news because stock prices are based on expectations about the future, not the past. This no doubt reflects the $2 trillion in government funds now going to individuals and firms to cover necessary expenses. It also reflects the $4 trillion in liquidity that is available from the Federal Reserve to support all sectors of the economy. And, of course, it reflects President Trump’s hope, based on actions being taken, that large parts of the economy in geographical areas less affected by the virus can go back to work on April 12.

When will the stock market get back to where it was before the coronavirus shock caused the shutdown of large parts of the economy?

The novel virus is temporary so it follows that the shutdown in the economy is also temporary. Therefore, so too is the sharp decline in the stock market. In three periods in the past 15 years when stock prices declined by more than 30 percent they got back to where they were within two to five years. This means investors should try to remain calm and not panic, which does no good for anyone. Once the coronavirus situation improves so too will the economy and the stock market. And there are already hopeful signs that this is happening in terms of containing the spread, treatment and prevention of the virus. It is important to realize that for those investors who have not sold stocks the losses are only paper losses and not actual losses. Indeed, for patient investors there may not be any actual losses.

Is now the time for investors to buy rather than sell stocks?

Some investors are already doing that, but one has to be prudent when doing so. Clearly, not all stocks have declined in price over the past few weeks. There are companies still operating and generating more revenue do to events taking place like remote work and teaching whose stock prices have understandably gone up.

It is important to remember that what has happened to individuals and firms was not their fault but due to a health crisis. And once this crisis ends, and it will end, the economy will once again resume its upward trajectory to the benefit of everyone.