How to invest smartly when markets hit record highs - Tips for success with John Plassard

Investing when markets are at all-time highs can be daunting, and it's natural for investors to feel nervous about committing capital at what might seem like the peak.
No one wants to be the one who buys in just before a prolonged downturn. However, new highs are a regular feature of stock market behavior, and successful investors must learn to navigate them.
This year alone, the S&P 500 has reached nearly 55 new all-time highs, meaning one out of every four trading days has marked a record.
Over the past decade, we’ve seen more than 300 new highs, a reflection of consistent long-term market growth.
Historically, around 7% of trading days since 1950 have closed at all-time highs, or roughly one every 14 trading sessions.
While the frequency of these records can create anxiety, the numbers show they are part of the natural rhythm of markets, not a sign of impending doom.
Still, emotions can often outweigh logic in investing, especially after markets have enjoyed substantial gains. To manage this, it’s vital to ensure that your investments align with your ability to weather both bull and bear markets.
If you’re hesitant about putting all your cash into stocks at record highs, consider diversifying your approach. Options include investing in a lump sum to take advantage of the market's upward bias, dollar-cost averaging to spread your entry points, or building a broader portfolio of stocks, bonds, and cash to reduce risk.
While perfect timing is impossible to achieve, a disciplined strategy helps you stay the course through the market’s highs and lows, ensuring you remain focused on long-term success.