Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the underestimation of risks in the current market environment, highlighting the need for awareness and preparedness among investors as uncertainties rise due to various global factors [1][3][4]. Group 1: Current Market Risks - Engel identifies several sources of uncertainty for 2025, including tariff policies, anti-science sentiments in the U.S., immigration issues, and ongoing wars, which are increasing market volatility without sufficient caution from investors [3][4]. - The prevailing market optimism may be a false sense of security, as Engel warns that these issues may not resolve in a way that enhances economic resilience or growth [4][5]. Group 2: ARCH Model Insights - Engel's ARCH model, introduced in 1982, quantifies the phenomenon of "volatility clustering" in financial markets, indicating that high volatility is often followed by more high volatility [8]. - The model serves as a tool for monitoring global financial conditions rather than predicting specific market movements, focusing on when volatility is likely to rise or fall [9]. Group 3: Trade Wars, AI, and Policy - Engel compares current trade wars to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s, suggesting that tariffs are detrimental to both parties involved and are unlikely to be sustainable [12]. - He views AI not as an independent source of market volatility but as a probabilistic tool that should assist human decision-making, cautioning against over-reliance on automated trading systems [12]. - Engel stresses the importance of gradual and predictable policy adjustments to mitigate risks, as sudden changes can lead to reduced investment and consumption, further slowing economic growth [12]. Group 4: Strategies for Individual Investors - For non-professional investors, Engel advises against attempting market timing and suggests using volatility control indices that adjust positions based on market volatility levels [15]. - He recommends constructing a diversified investment portfolio with a defined volatility target, emphasizing disciplined risk management over speculative market predictions [16]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Engel expresses concern about three major issues for 2026: escalation of wars, the re-emergence of stagflation, and stagnation in climate action, while remaining hopeful about improved U.S.-China relations [19][20]. - He believes that better collaboration between the U.S. and China could help address inflation and deflation issues, benefiting both countries and the global economy [20].