Valuations are high in the stock market, deterring some from investing. Timing the market is risky and can lead to losses. Remember, crashes and recoveries are inevitable. Investing in a diverse mix of stocks historically grows wealth. Market crashes can happen without warning but often lead to swift recoveries, like the 16% increase in the S&P 500 in 2020. Reciprocal tariffs caused a brief market crash in April 2025, showing the unpredictability of the market. Smart investors advise against trying to time the market, emphasizing long-term investing over speculation. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has seen a 300% rise in the past 10 years, offering a simple way to invest in the market. New investors are encouraged to start investing in safe index funds for the long term. The Motley Fool Stock Advisor team has identified 10 stocks with high potential returns, highlighting the importance of remaining invested in the market.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Is 2026 a Good Year for New Investors to Start Investing in the Stock Market?