In recent years, investors have become accustomed to the company’s good results FTSE100 index of leading UK shares.

It has reached modern highs multiple times, including so far this year.

However, with war in the Middle East, heightened geopolitical concerns and uncertainty about what international developments will mean for the economy, the FTSE 100 has been heading lower over the past few weeks.

Could this be a sign of something worse to come?

Listed in Great Britain, vigorous worldwide

The FTSE 100 index includes 100 shares listed on the London market. But although it has its fair share of British companies such as Next AND Severn TrentFTSE 100 companies make most of their money overseas.

This reflects the global nature of many companies such as Prudential AND Unilever. So global events can certainly impact the index.

For FTSE 100 companies such as major oil companies BP AND Shellrising oil prices may actually be good news.

However, for other members, cost-based inflation may eat into profits and uncertainty poses a threat to customer demand. Owner of British Airways International Airlines Group is an example.

It is therefore complex to obtain a clear picture of the impact of recent events on the business performance of index members in the long term.

But in general, markets don’t like uncertainty. It is also clear that the current global climate is increasing some prices, reducing demand in some areas and forcing companies to postpone some decision-making processes.

All in all, I think this is bad news for the short- and medium-term health of the global economy.

This is why I am a long-term investor!

Fortunately, however, I take a long-term approach to investing.

So when stock prices seem attractive even for a brief period of time, I have an opportunity to buy. However, when the price of a stock I own falls below what I consider reasonable for the company, I don’t worry about it.

Over time – even if it takes years – I expect that purchasing a diversified portfolio of high-quality companies when I can do so at an attractive price will support me build wealth.

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This helps explain why I’m not too concerned about what’s happening to the FTSE 100 at the moment.

It may happen that the good results of the last few years will become a memory and the party will end and the index will continue to fall.

That wouldn’t bother me, though, because I expect the index to do well over the long term – and right now I’m looking for individual stocks to buy, not an index tracker.

One FTSE 100 stock that I still think investors should consider is JD Sports (LSE: JD), which sells for pennies.

Tenuous consumer confidence could hurt demand for exorbitant sportswear. Higher global shipping costs also pose a risk to profitability.

Still, I think the business has a lot to offer. It has a forceful brand, a enormous customer base, global reach and a proven business model.

I believe the current share price looks economical over the long term, at just eight times earnings.

JD Sports has grown significantly in recent years and was already navigating demand and supply chain risks. I’m sanguine that he has what it takes to continue this business.