Climbing the Market Mountain, When Negativity Meets a Bull Market & 401(K) Rollovers

This week on Money Wise, the team digs into a strong performance on Wall Street - with the Dow up 1.6%, S&P 500 up 1.7%, and NASDAQ climbing 2.1%, while discussing the market’s ongoing resilience in the face of widespread investor skepticism. Despite impressive year-to-date gains across major indices, investor sentiment remains unusually negative, a disconnect that could actually fuel future growth once optimism catches up.

Kyle uses his “Mount Everest” analogy to remind listeners that bull markets need pauses to stay healthy, emphasizing that pullbacks are normal and even necessary for long-term momentum. Jeff and Joe weigh in on volatility and investor behavior, noting that market corrections in the 7–12% range are part of any sustainable rally. Louie references recent Fundstrat research showing it’s rare to see such strong market returns alongside negative sentiment, a setup that historically precedes continued gains. The team also highlights a staggering $7.6 trillion sitting in money market funds, suggesting there’s still plenty of cash waiting to reenter the market. Between skeptical investors and cautious fund managers, this “dry powder” could become a powerful force for further upside once confidence returns.

When Negativity Meets a Bull Market

While sharp price swings can feel uncomfortable, volatility is a sign of a functioning, responsive market. It reflects investor reactions to new data, earnings results, policy shifts, or economic reports, and helps prices find their true value over time. Without these fluctuations, markets risk becoming complacent or inflated, setting the stage for more severe corrections later. Volatility also serves a purpose in maintaining long-term market health. It encourages investors to reassess positions, reprice risk, and avoid herd mentality. When markets pull back, they often flush out speculative excess and create new entry points for disciplined, long-term investors. In this way, volatility acts as a “pressure valve,” releasing tension before it builds into instability.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys dive into all things 401(K) Rollovers. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.