Fisher Investments' Founder Ken Fisher: Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market, Matters More

Fisher Investments’ founder, Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer Ken Fisher discusses the benefits of staying invested in the stock market instead of trying to time the market, particularly for those looking for long-term, equity-like returns.

Consistently timing the market, Ken says, is nearly impossible. Rather than worrying about where the market is headed in the short term, Ken encourages investors to stick to their long-term investment plan. Historically, stocks have generated strong returns over time, inclusive of downward volatility such as corrections and bear markets.

Ken explains how investors may be tempted to sell stocks during downward volatility, which may not be in their best interest. While selling during downward volatility can be perceived as a way to avoid deeper losses, doing so could mean locking in losses and missing the market’s inevitable rebound. As Ken shares, “time in the market” is far more important than “timing” the market.

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Investing in securities involves a risk of loss. Past performance is never a guarantee of future returns. Investing in foreign stock markets involves additional risks, such as the risk of currency fluctuations. The foregoing constitutes the general views of Fisher Investments and should not be regarded as personalized investment advice. Nothing herein is intended to be a recommendation. The opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.

[renegade]

Great video! I love the way you stress math over emotions in the market. I really enjoy your perspective on the history of the market.

[warrenlee]

Thank you so much for priceless lecture. -south korea investor

[stevenhomoki]

Great philosophy to have time in the market versus timing the market. I have timed the market correctely once from 2000 to 2003 almost perfectly but since then not so.

[robertsteiner]

Thank you for being a cool head when so many are trying to create hysteria. I suspect for their own gain.

[focusrelax]

First comment! Read about your father fisher and his tech investment! Interesting tactic the had !

[notgiven]

Everyone knows not to sell, or only sell what you have to, in downturns. A better video subject would be what to invest in after retirement or should you be in the market at all?

[Jamie]

timing not time in is the new time in not timing

[gmo]

Sticktuitiveness. That works for me. Time in has reee warrrr deddd me.