Trust your instincts, except in investing

From euphoric highs to stomach-churning lows, stock market cycles routinely take active investors through the entire emotional spectrum. Many feel confident buying high during an upward trend, but panic when prices start to fall, selling at big losses. Passive investors, on the other hand, are always relaxed. They avoid the perils of short-term market conditions with a buy-and-hold strategy focused on long-term appreciation—and no emotion.