The S&P 500 index (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) produced a double-digit total return in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
And so far in 2026, the benchmark has climbed 9% (as of July 20)
But investors are on edge. Whether it’s ongoing geopolitical turmoil, rising federal debt, or potential disruption from artificial intelligence, it’s a challenge not to be nervous. Here’s what I would tell these investors right now.
Time is on your side Throughout history, there has never been a shortage of reasons for investors to worry. The list of headwinds includes recessionary scenarios, surging inflation, rising interest rates, a global pandemic, rapid technological advancements, and even war. The best investors were the ones that didn’t abandon their long-term plans, no matter what event came up.