What to Do When the Market is High

The S&P 500 is soaring at 5,700, and the Dow Jones has reached an impressive 42,000. With these highs, many investors are asking themselves, “What should I do now?” Market highs, like the one we’re currently experiencing, often come with uncertainty, especially as elections loom on the horizon. It’s natural to wonder if political shifts will influence the markets, and how you should position your portfolio in response.

In this guide, I’ll break down the key factors investors should consider during market highs, offering actionable steps you can take now to optimize your financial strategy.

Do Elections Really Impact the Stock Market?

As elections approach, many investors worry about how the results might affect their portfolios. Historically, though, the influence of election outcomes on the overall stock and bond markets is often overstated. While individual companies or sectors may perform differently depending on which party is in power, the markets as a whole are usually less affected than people think.

The reality is that only about 20% of the companies in major indexes like the S&P 500 typically drive market movements. A recent example of this can be seen in tech giants like Nvidia, which have led the market in one direction or another. The other 80% of companies tend to maintain a steady course, regardless of who’s in office.

However, what does matter is the broader political environment. Historically, markets have preferred a divided government, where no single party controls all branches. This kind of political gridlock makes it harder for sweeping legislative changes to occur, which gives businesses a sense of stability. Stagnation can actually be beneficial for companies, as it means fewer new laws, regulations, or taxes that could impact their operations.

What Should You Do When Markets Hit All-Time Highs?

Political uncertainties aside, one thing is clear: We’re currently experiencing market highs. While that’s an exciting prospect, it’s also a good time to review your financial situation. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Do You Need Cash? If you anticipate needing money for a major purchase or financial goal, now may be a smart time to take profits from your top-performing investments. When the market is high, you can sell at a gain and potentially lock in that value.
2. Is It Time to Get More Conservative? If you’re nearing retirement or simply looking to reduce your exposure to risk, now could be a great time to shift some of your more aggressive investments into safer assets. With market highs, you can take advantage of gains and move funds into more conservative options, especially as bonds are recovering from the 2022 downturn.
3. Consider Rebalancing Your Portfolio. Rebalancing is the practice of adjusting your portfolio so that your original asset allocation is restored. For example, if your stocks have outperformed your bonds, your portfolio may now be too stock-heavy, exposing you to more risk than you originally intended.While many professionals recommend regular rebalancing, I take a more hands-off approach. If you’re invested in quality funds with strong management, I believe it’s often better to let them run their course, even through down markets. Clients who have stuck with long-term growth funds have often seen significant gains, largely because they didn’t tinker with them during downturns.In contrast, bond funds, while performing respectably, tend to have slower growth. If I had regularly rebalanced, shifting money out of those high-growth stock funds into slower-growing bond funds, my clients’ overall returns would have been much lower. That’s why I generally prefer not to rebalance unless specifically requested by my clients.
4. Should You Take Profits or Get More Conservative? If you’re unsure of your next move, now is the time to reassess your goals. Market highs provide an opportunity to take profits or de-risk your portfolio. But it’s important to consider your overall financial plan before making any decisions. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to me. We can schedule a meeting to discuss your current portfolio and future goals.

The Importance of a Long-Term Investment Strategy

At times like these, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement—or anxiety—of market highs. However, it’s crucial to remember that investing is a long-term game. Whether you’re considering taking profits, rebalancing, or staying the course, your decisions should align with your broader financial goals.

It’s also important to note that market highs don’t last forever. That’s why taking a balanced approach is key. If you’re comfortable with the level of risk in your portfolio and have confidence in your investments, you might not need to make drastic changes. But if you’ve noticed your risk tolerance shifting, or you have new financial goals, now could be the time to make adjustments.

The Bottom Line

When the markets are hitting all-time highs, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what to do next. Should you take profits? Get more conservative? Rebalance? The right answer depends on your financial situation, your goals, and your tolerance for risk.

If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. I’m here to help guide you through these decisions and ensure your portfolio is aligned with your long-term objectives. Whether you want to schedule a call to discuss your options or simply get a second opinion, I’m here to help.

In the meantime, remember that while market highs can present opportunities, they shouldn’t dictate your entire investment strategy. Staying disciplined and focused on your long-term goals is the key to financial success.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss your portfolio or have any questions about your investment strategy. We can review your options and make a plan that best suits your needs, no matter what the markets—or the elections—may bring.