It’s official. Last month global stock markets officially hit bear market territory. For most, watching investment portfolios decline sharply is disconcerting. It’s okay if you have questions and concerns — you are not alone. At such times it’s easy to be tempted to batten down the hatches and remove all risk. While avoiding sleepless nights is important, it’s a balance. History highlights long-term investors are better to be positioned for bull markets than hide from the bears.