Market All Time Highs - Invest or Wait?

Think investing at an all-time high is risky? This might change your mind.

Most people assume that buying into the market at a record high is a bad idea. It feels like you’re jumping in just before a fall. But the numbers tell a different story.

This chart shows the average returns after investing at all-time highs, compared with returns at other times. One-year, three-year, and five-year returns are actually stronger after markets hit new highs.

It’s counterintuitive, but it reflects how markets really behave. All-time highs often happen in strong, upward-trending markets. Waiting for a pullback can mean missing some of the best returns.

The key takeaway is simple: stay consistent. Dollar-cost averaging works, including on the way up. It’s not about perfect timing. It’s about being in the market.