The stock market is a roller coaster ride, and every investor knows to expect ups and downs. Although the market has been seeing some recent positivity, many experts predict that increase security issues and changes in government policy could lead to a difficult market on the horizon.

The most successful investors are those that are always looking forward and know how to prepare for a difficult market. Here are five stock tips to follow in their footsteps.

Diversify

The more diverse an investor’s portfolio, the less hard they will be hit by a decline in any one area. A crash in the real estate market, for example, could disable people who invest solely in real estate, but if those investments are balanced by other types, a crash isn’t as dire of a situation.

In today’s market, it can be wise to diversify into international markets; much of the global market increase has been based on activities in the United States, particularly the election of Donald Trump as president. However, the coming stagnation or fall of the markets is also likely due mainly to action in the U.S.

The economic rebound in international markets has been much slower than it was in the U.S., so investments in those areas likely won’t fall as much or be as affected by a difficult market.

Focus on Short and Immediate – Term Maturities

When the market is predicted to take a turn, it can be wise to invest in things that will mature relatively quickly.

There is a chance the investments will come due while the market is still good, and even if they don’t, investors won’t be locked in for long periods of a down market.

Short-term maturities have less reward, but they also tend to carry less risk, which can be important in a shaky situation.

Don’t Rely on Past Results

All investors know that past results don’t necessarily dictate future success. Even if analysts are predicting that a certain stock will do well, things can still come up that cause the stock to crumble.

Because of this, good investors know to look at a number of factors when making decisions about what to do with their money, and they look at more than just one variable about a stock or investment.

By doing research, these investors have a leg up on many other investors who rely on simplified apps and predictions.

One of the biggest considerations should be what is coming down the pipeline for a company and how it will affect the stock price; if things are looking up, regardless of what has happened in the past, investing in the company could be a smart decision.

Don’t be Reactive

Remember that the market is all about supply and demand. Many people wait until demand rises for something or the hottest new product comes out to scoop up a stock, but by then the price is high and might not go any higher.

Instead of being reactive to the market and simply following trends, look for patterns of companies on the rise and be proactive.

The investors who buy a stock before a company hits it big are the ones who make the biggest profits.

Take it in Stride

Even if a difficult market is around the corner, good investors realize that the markets by nature ebb and flow.

Some times are better and more profitable than others, but the bad times never last forever—the recent global recession is proof of that.

Although it can be difficult in the short term, rest assured that things will even out eventually.

Making smart investments and doing research will give investors the tools they need to the succeed, and then the rest is up to the market.