Q4, 2021 (report here) saw the market make all-time highs. Page 3 shows how major markets performed over Q4, while page 4 shows how those same markets performed for 2021. As I said, in Q4, we made all-time highs, but to start 2022 we’ve pulled off of those highs and have had a bit of a sell-off.

What does the data look like when you invest and put money into the market at all-time highs compared to say now – at the time of this recording – when markets have pulled back a bit? Pages 16 and 17 of the Market Summary Report show us some data to answer that question. I highlighted a couple good points, and the take away is this: whether you invest at all-time highs or when the market has pulled back a bit or significantly, your long-term returns are about the same.

The best day to invest is today because you are taking away money that you might ordinarily spend now AND you’re putting it away for retirement most likely on a tax-advantaged basis. If you are investing in stocks that means you have a long-term outlook, so start investing, stay invested, and don’t worry if you bought in at an all-time high because that does not penalize you.

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