By Elizabeth Brown

Less than 30 days into the new year, our nation has weathered one of the most significant winter storms in decades. Affecting more than 200 million Americans, the storm left nearly a million without power and carved a path of roughly 2,300 miles through most of the southeastern United States. More than 30 states issued warnings and advisories, rivaling the reaction and effects of a hurricane.

For Americans in places like Tennessee, the Carolinas and my home state of Kentucky, this felt unprecedented. Groceries were flying off the shelves in the days beforehand and post-storm, schools remain closed with utility crews working hard to restore power to those without it. Parents home with rambunctious kids, families still without electricity and people who are ready for winter to pass are all asking the same question: when will this all be over?

Similarly, in meetings with clients to kick off the new year, I’ve happily reported that we’ve experienced yet another great year in domestic and international markets, as well as in fixed income. While my clients are cheering, much of the conversation quickly turns to the same question: when will this all be over?

Financial Markets Move like Seasons

Like seasons, bull and bear markets tend to end on their own terms and not necessarily when investors are starting to feel the pressure. History tells us that since 1962, bull market cycles average roughly 3.5x to 5x longer than bear markets, with much larger cumulative gains. The longest run in S&P 500 history began in 1987 for a staggering 4,494 days with an overall return of 582%, driven largely by the technology boom.

Since 1938, S&P 500 has shown long stretches between markets down over 40%, runs of roughly 36 and 28 years¹. Today, earnings growth is increasingly fueling the equity market and is projected to remain solid in 2026². At the same time, consumer sentiment declined in January³, which has historically been associated with positive forward returns in the S&P 500. News cycles and major headlines can make investors feel like the next bear market is just around the corner, but history doesn’t guarantee that narrative.

What has consistently protected investors in these moments when it all feels too good, or too bad, is sticking to a prudent strategy and a plan created by professionals, specialized for your family. Market cycles are expected, so investing regularly and leaning against a strong, tested plan is the best way to ride out the ups and downs we know too well.

Wealth Strategy Built to Endure, Not Predict

Eventually, just like these icy roads here in Kentucky after the storm, roads will be cleared, power will be restored and this market run will end. When that happens, some investors will feel like something needs to change – but don’t let this be you. Your long-term strategy isn’t designed to predict every storm but is built to endure, directed by a portfolio with diversified, prudent investments meant to handle the range of outcomes in the market.

Confidence for the Road Ahead

Investors are rewarded long-term much more than they are punished, so let this be your sign to review your plan with your American Trust Wealth advisor and take comfort knowing it was crafted for the road ahead.

¹ Ritholtz Wealth Management, YCharts
² JPMorgan
³ The Motley Fool, YCharts