Timing the Stock Market—Can You Control It?

The first quarter of 2025 has already been a wild ride for stock market investors. Uncertainty surrounding cuts made by DOGE and President Trump’s tariff strategy has resulted in a volatile stock market. The old adage “Buy low, sell high” has always been simplistic. After all, if it were that easy, everyone would be financial titans now. So, is it even possible to time the stock market? Let’s find out.

The Temptation of Market Timing

The lure of attempting to time the stock market is undoubtedly strong. Every day, countless investors attempt to do it. They watch charts, read analysts’ predictions, and jump in right before a rally or cash out before a crash. The desire to try to outsmart the system may even be stronger with continuous discussions of a potential recession, frequent market dips, and persistent economic uncertainty.

However, research on the topic is clear: No one can perfectly time the market. Even the elite Wall Street traders get it wrong frequently. A report from Charles Schwab showed that having strategic long-term investments is a better driver of success than trying to time the market.

Politics, Global Events, and Market Volatility

Several external factors make the current market particularly challenging for investors:

• Politics is having a profound impact on market movements right now. The Trump administration’s return in January 2025 resulted in significant trade, regulatory, and tax policy changes.
• Several global conflicts and tense diplomatic relationships affecting supply chains and commodity prices send ripple effects in the market. 
• Increased automation from AI is a technological disruption that is reshaping entire industries at an unprecedented pace.

The Emotional Toll of an Unpredictable Market

All these moving parts combine to impact 2025 investing differently. They create an emotional problem on top of an analytical one. Fear, greed, and anxiety drive even more investment decisions than usual. 

When there’s a market dip, many investors panic-sell at the bottom, the point where they would be better off buying. During rallies, investors fear missing out on success and buy at peak prices. Without the guidance and perspective of someone who has the experience to recognize and temper these fears, this emotional cycle can be challenging to escape. 

A Better Approach: Strategic Financial Planning

Rather than chasing market trends or spending all day stressing over the perfect minute to buy or sell, developing a strategic financial plan can provide confidence even in poor market conditions. This is where a financial advisor becomes invaluable. The right advisor can help you:

• Stay focused on long-term goals, and avoid emotionally driven decisions
• Create a diversified investment strategy that withstands market volatility
• Take advantage of downturns by investing when assets are undervalued

The Growing Role of Women in Investment Decisions

The investment landscape is also changing demographically. The wealth transfer to women continues to accelerate. A 2023 study by Boston Consulting Group found that women control 32% of the world’s wealth, a number that’s expected to grow by 7% each year. 

This is the perfect opportunity for women investors to enter the market and for advisors who cater to women to guide them. Women have different approaches to wealth planning and other priorities and perspectives than men, making specialized guidance vital. 

Finding the Right Guide for Your Financial Journey

Trying to time the stock market alone can be stressful and risky. Thankfully, expert guidance is available to help you navigate the ups and downs of the market with confidence. A licensed financial advisor can guide you toward wise, informed choices that will boost your financial future.

Take the 2-minute Svvy® quiz today and get matched with a female-vetted financial advisor who can help you invest with confidence.