The S&P 500 hit its 38th record of 2025 yesterday. Despite all the “it can’t possibly go higher” or “the AI bubble will burst imminently” or “tariffs will destroy the market” … that was wrong 38 times (so far!) this year. Don’t sit out and miss the gains. Yes, sometimes it will go down. But the market tends to go up.

So for someone who hasn't started investing yet and has money in savings... Would it be better to put the money in a GIC or something guaranteed to grow a bit and then once the crash happens, buy while it's low? There is bound to be some kind of crash the way the economy is going right? Doesn't it kinda feel like things have peaked? Isn't buying at peak not really a good idea?

What does everyone think? If you had 100k from inheritance or something would you still invest it today or would you see how the next year or two plays out?

Is it when retail are forced to sell their positions, even at a loss because they lack the funds to cover bills, etc?

So like recession times? Is it when unemployment rates are high? is it when disposable income is at its lowest? is it when people can't affford new triple A games? etc.

Hey everyone,

I keep seeing people online and in the news / online saying things like “the market is going to crash soon.” “This or that is overvalued”, etc I’m not here to argue whether that’s true or not. I’m just trying to understand what that actually means in practice.

For the people who believe a crash is coming, what do they usually do about it? Do they sell their positions before it happens? Move to cash? Or do most just keep holding and wait it out?

I’m not asking for advice, just curious how people who expect a crash typically react or prepare.

Edit: thank you all! My question is answered, now I know :)