The Maginot Line of investing: Why market timing rarely wins

Key Highlights

• When Germany invaded in 1940, it simply went around the fortifications through Belgium. That is what happens when you prepare for the last war. And that is exactly what many investors do when they try to time the market. Also Read | Springboard 2026 | Where's smart money in India heading to in 2026?The timing trapAsk anyone who has sold equities “just in time” to avoid a crash, and they will tell you how hard it is to do it twice.
• Selling is only the first step.
• The second — getting back in — is often even harder. A few realities investors underestimate:You will likely get the timing wrong.
• It is not enough to predict a fall.
• You must also predict when it happens and how deep it will be. If markets keep rising after you sell, the emotional stress is real.