Stock market is in for 'choppy, bumpy ride' in 2026, strategist says. Why it pays to stay invested
Why it matters: Investors who miss the market's best days by moving in and out of investments stand to lose the most, according to JPMorgan Asset Management data.
- Jack Manley of JPMorgan Asset Management warns that markets in 2026 will be "extremely sensitive to headlines" but stresses that now is still a good time to take risk, provided investors understand the volatility.
- JPMorgan Asset Management data reveals that six of the market's 10 best days over the past two decades occurred within two weeks of its 10 worst days, underscoring the risk of missing significant gains by moving in and out of investments.
- U.S. equities, despite a 3.5% year-to-date decline for the S&P 500 in 2026, are historically a "great place to generate wealth" over the long run, according to Manley, following double-digit gains in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
- Brian Schmehil, a certified financial planner at The Mather Group, advises investors to maintain enough cash for short-term goals, have a long-term investment plan, and regularly rebalance to manage risk tolerance and avoid emotional selling.
Despite a challenging March where the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq each fell approximately 5%, JPMorgan Asset Management strategist Jack Manley advises investors to brace for a "choppy, bumpy ride" in 2026 but emphasizes staying invested due to historical data showing the best returns come from avoiding market timing. Certified financial planner Brian Schmehil reinforces this, suggesting diversification and a clear financial plan are crucial for weathering emotional market swings.
