Market Timing: Gotta Be Right Twice, Twice

Market timing requires a skill that’s almost impossible to master.

An investor not only has to determine when stock prices have peaked (so you can sell), but also when they have bottomed (so you can buy).

In recent weeks, many people have muttered, “I should have sold before the events escalated in the Middle East.” (BTW, some were the same people who last year said, “I should have sold before the tariff talk picked up.”)

Hypothetically, let’s say you did have the foresight to sell in February 2026 before the Middle East became front-page news. Would you have had the courage to buy in late March when the Dow Industrials closed lower for the 5th consecutive week? When oil prices topped $110?

Maybe. But what’s your next market timing strategy? And the next after that? 

“In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield,” said Warren Buffett, who is well known for encouraging investors not to watch the markets too closely.

At this point, it’s best to anticipate more volatility in 2026. The Middle East will continue to make headlines, the midterm elections are in November, and the Fed’s next move on interest rates is uncertain.

So, stay focused on the strategy we created. Enjoy the longer days leading up to summer. And remember, as today’s chart shows, missing one or two days can make a big difference! 

^{HartfordFunds.com, 2026}