An 86% total return for the S&P 500 over the past five years underpins Motley Fool's advice to stay invested for the next decade rather than react to bear-market fears.
High valuations are driving concern, but the report argues market timing usually backfires because no one can reliably predict when the next downturn will hit.
A 20% drawdown has struck the S&P 500 numerous times over recent decades, while 10% pullbacks arrive roughly every couple of years and have historically been recovered.
The benchmark was down 7% in 2026 as of March 30 before rebounding, reinforcing the case for buying quality stocks, diversifying and holding through volatility.