Last week, the S&P 500 hit new record highs, fully recovering from last year's market pullback. This market rebound took four months which, coincidentally, is exactly the historical average for bounce-backs after market corrections. This occurred despite the fact that the market decline nearly reached bear market levels (-20% from peak).
This is certainly not to say that it's smooth sailing from here. To be sure, there will be more market volatility ahead. Just as trees don't grow to the sky, the market can't rise in a straight line forever.
However, this is a clear reminder that markets are inherently volatile. The best way to manage this volatility isn't to swerve in and out of markets - it's to maintain a portfolio that can handle the bumps and, more importantly, to develop a steady hand.