The stock market is once again at all-time high levels, pushing past its previous record set back in February 2025. While it briefly pulled back sharply in early April, sending some investors into panic mode, the market quickly bounced back. Now, as we look at new highs again, the question becomes: what’s next?

For long-term investors, it’s a great moment to pause and reflect, not on trying to predict the future, but on making sure your plan is still aligned with your goals. Here’s why new highs shouldn’t scare you, and what smart steps you can take right now.

New Highs Are Normal, Not a Reason to Panic

Whenever the market hits a new record, it’s common to hear some variation of this phrase: “It can’t go any higher—it has to come back down eventually.” This reaction is understandable but often rooted in emotion, not data.

As a fiduciary financial advisor, we see this behavior time and time again: fear creeping in just as the market shows strength. The truth is, new highs are part of how the market works. If the market never reached new highs, it wouldn’t be growing. It would be stagnant.

Historically, the stock market has hit new highs hundreds of times. In fact, the S&P 500 has reached record highs in every single decade since its inception, including during periods of inflation, war, political uncertainty, and economic change.

A few facts to keep in mind:

• From 2013 to 2021, the S&P 500 hit over 200 new record highs.
• Markets tend to move higher over time due to rising corporate earnings, innovation, and economic growth.
• Pullbacks are normal, even during long-term bull markets.

So if you’re feeling uneasy about investing at all-time highs, you’re not alone, but it doesn’t mean it’s the wrong time to be invested.

Timing the Market Is a Losing Game

Trying to guess when the market will peak is one of the most common, and costly, mistakes investors make.

Let’s say you tried to sell in February when the S&P 500 hit a new record. If you didn’t get back in during the short downturn in April, you’d have missed the quick rebound. Markets recovered those losses within weeks. That’s how fast things can change. And let’s face it, reading the headlines in early April after the market reacted swiftly to president Trump’s tariff announcement, most of what we read in the news was negative as if a recession was a forgone conclusion.

Here’s why trying to time the market rarely works:

• You have to be right twice—once when you sell, and again when you buy back in.
• Market recoveries are fast and unpredictable—miss just a few of the best days, and your returns suffer.
• Emotions often lead us astray—fear and greed cloud good decision-making.

Instead, long-term investors are better served by staying the course and sticking with a diversified plan built for their risk tolerance and goals.

Now Is a Great Time to Revisit Your Portfolio and Rebalance

With markets climbing higher, now is a smart time to check in on your investment mix. Some assets in your portfolio may have grown faster than others, throwing off your original risk profile. That’s where rebalancing comes in.

What is rebalancing?

Rebalancing is the process of bringing your portfolio back in line with your target asset allocation. For example, if you originally aimed for 60% stocks and 40% bonds, but stocks have grown rapidly, you might now be at 70% stocks and 30% bonds. That’s more risk than you intended to take on.

Why is rebalancing important?

• Manages risk: Keeps your exposure aligned with your comfort level.
• Disciplined strategy: Encourages selling high and buying low.
• Avoids portfolio drift: Ensures your investment portfolio doesn’t become unintentionally aggressive or conservative.

We monitor client portfolios for this kind of drift and recommend rebalancing when it’s needed. This disciplined investment strategy is not based on emotions, but based on sound financial principles.

What Should You Be Doing Now?

Here’s a simple checklist of what smart investors can do during all-time highs:

Revisit Your Financial Plan

Make sure your long-term goals are still on track. Are you saving enough? Are your investments aligned with those goals? If you’re not sure, it’s time to review your financial plan and talk with your advisor.

Review Your Risk Tolerance

When markets are calm, we tend to feel braver than we actually are. Now’s a good time to reassess how much volatility you can really stomach. If your portfolio has shifted too heavily toward stocks, it may be time to rebalance.

Don’t Stop Investing

If you’re contributing to a retirement plan, brokerage account, or other investment vehicle, keep going. Dollar-cost averaging helps smooth out market highs and lows over time.

Ignore the Headlines

Markets may be at highs, but so are media narratives trying to predict the next crash. Remember, the media profits from attention, not accuracy. They don’t know your financial plan or how your portfolio is invested, nor do they care.

Staying the Course Is a Proven Strategy

At Navalign, we focus on helping clients cut through the noise and make sound decisions based on strategy, not emotion. All-time highs may feel like a peak, but they’re often just another step on the market’s long upward journey.

Whether markets are soaring or sinking, our role as a fiduciary financial advisor is to help you stay grounded, confident, and committed to your long-term vision.

Final Thought: Your Financial Plan Matters More Than the Market

Markets will go up and down. That’s their nature. But your financial plan is what gives you stability, direction, and peace of mind. The fact that we’re at new highs is not a warning sign, it’s a reminder that staying invested and properly allocated pays off over time.

If you’re unsure how to navigate these moments, or if your portfolio needs a second look, we’re here to help.

Want to make sure your investments are aligned with your goals?
Schedule a conversation with a Navalign fiduciary advisor today. We’ll help you rebalance with intention, manage your risk, and stay focused on what matters most—your future.