Key takeaway: When markets get noisy, process matters more than prediction.

Navigating market volatility remains one of the most common challenges identified across the WIN community. In response, WIN partnered with CMC Markets to host an intimate roundtable exploring how experienced investors respond to uncertainty, identify opportunity and make disciplined decisions in listed markets.

Led by Rebecca Dillon and Lel Smits, the discussion brought together a curated group of WIN members for a candid conversation on market volatility, risk management and investor psychology.

Drawing on her experience working with CMC Markets' Alpha Invest clients, Rebecca shared practical perspectives on opportunity identification, portfolio construction and the importance of disciplined decision-making. Lel provided broader market context, helping to unpack current market conditions and facilitate discussion throughout the session. Together, they explored how investors can respond constructively to volatility, avoid common behavioural biases and build frameworks that support long-term investment success.

Discussion themes included:

• How volatility influences investor behaviour and decision-making

• The relationship between risk, reward and time horizon

• Common investor mistakes, including market timing and concentration risk

• The role of trading psychology, including loss aversion, herd mentality and FOMO

• Portfolio construction, diversification and asset allocation frameworks

• Practical habits that help investors remain disciplined during periods of uncertainty

The session combined expert perspectives with candid peer discussion, giving members the opportunity to test ideas, share experiences and explore how different investors respond when markets become uncertain.

About the speakers:

Lel Smits is an award-winning entrepreneur, director and finance journalist who has advised more than 500 ASX-listed companies. As Founder of The Stock Network and a former Director of the Australian Shareholders' Association, she has extensive experience across listed markets, investor communication and financial education. During the session, Lel provided market context and facilitated discussion.

Rebecca Dillon is a Senior Relationship Manager with CMC Markets' Alpha Invest team. With a background spanning finance, economics, capital markets and risk management, Rebecca works closely with active investors and shared practical perspectives on market volatility, risk management and investment decision-makingLel Smits is an award-winning entrepreneur, finance journalist and director. As Director of The Capital Network, she has worked extensively across investor relations, listed markets and financial education, helping investors navigate complex market environments. At this roundtable, Lel will provide market context and facilitate discussion.

About our partner

CMC Markets is a global financial services provider supporting active traders and long-term investors across shares, ETFs and listed markets. This roundtable reflected CMC Markets' focus on informed, self-directed investing.