Investing at Market Highs: What Kenyan Families Should Know

November 2025

It’s common to feel nervous about investing when global stock markets are at record highs. Many Kenyans ask, “Isn’t this the worst time to invest?” History shows that this fear is often misplaced.

Schroders studied nearly 100 years of US stock market data. Here’s what they found and why it matters for Kenyan families investing globally: 

Markets hit highs regularly: The US market has been at an all-time high in about one-third of all months since 1926. Highs are not rare; they’re part of normal market growth. 

Returns after highs are strong: On average, investors earned 10.4% above inflation in the 12 months after a market high. That’s better than the 8.8% return when the market wasn’t at a high. 

Short-term results are still solid: 

• Over 10 years, $100,000 invested at highs grew to $255,000 compared to $185,000 if you switched to cash.

• Over 20 years, $433,000 versus $268,000.

• Over 30 years, $1,064,000 versus $449,000.

• Over 50 years, $5,627,000 versus $2,035,000.

Trying to time the market by pulling out when it hits a high can reduce your long-term wealth by up to 90%. 

Our role as financial planners is to help families understand that volatility is normal. It’s not something to fear; it’s the price we pay for long-term growth. Markets will go up and down, but staying invested through those ups and downs is what builds wealth over time. 

If you’re investing for your children’s education, retirement or building family wealth, don’t let market highs scare you. Evidence shows that staying invested, even at highs, is better than trying to guess the perfect time. 

If you’d like to understand how this applies to your family’s investment strategy, our team is here to help. Contact us at info@waughmcdonald.co.ke to speak with one of our financial planners.