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Despite geopolitical conflict, fluctuating oil prices, and macroeconomic volatility, the S&P 500 is continuing to reach new highs, up 0.84%. The index is up almost 8% this year, marking the fourth consecutive year of gains.
Investors should remember that even strong market runs eventually end. While no one can predict how long the current bull market will last, pullbacks are a normal part of the cycle—often described as “two steps forward, one step back.” Even when the market experiences a correction or a crash, it typically removes only a portion of prior gains rather than wiping them out entirely.
Historical examples illustrate how quickly losses can be followed by recovery. In 2022, the S&P 500 recorded its last annual loss, falling 19%. Since then, it has gained 92%.
Another reference point is 2008, when the mortgage crisis drove the S&P 500 down 38%. Since that period, the index has risen 715%.
These declines can be viewed as resets. Although they may look alarming in the moment, they can also create buying opportunities for investors who remain patient and consistent.
The article argues that stopping investment at this stage does not make sense. The rationale is that if the market corrects, it may only reduce part of the gains, and investors risk missing further upside if they pause contributions.
Consistency is presented as a key value in long-term investing: continuing to add to a portfolio allows investments to compound over time.
To illustrate the impact of steady investing, the article presents a scenario in which an investor starts with $10,000 and invests $100 per month into an S&P 500 index fund over 30 years. With the market gaining about 11% annualized over that period, the value would be about $500,000 today.
The article also notes that increasing contributions can materially change outcomes. If contributions rise to $500 per month (or $6,000 annually), the projected value after 30 years would be more than $1.4 million, assuming consistent exposure to the S&P 500 through market cycles.
While investors may want to be more selective when markets are at elevated levels—paying attention to valuation and avoiding hype—the article concludes that investors should continue investing rather than stop.
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