As the FTSE 100 reaches record highs, many investors find themselves asking a familiar question: Is now really the right time to invest?

It’s a natural concern. The instinct might be to hold off, assuming that a market at its peak must be due for a fall. But the truth is, trying to time the market is one of the biggest traps an investor can fall into.

Why Some Investors Hesitate

When markets are booming, many people worry about "buying at the top." There's a fear that if they invest now, values could drop and they’ll lose money in the short term. On the flip side, when markets fall, people often feel nervous about investing into uncertainty. This emotional cycle can lead to a kind of paralysis where investors wait endlessly for “the right time” and ultimately miss out on long-term growth.

Timing the Market: A Losing Game

History shows that consistently predicting market highs and lows is incredibly difficult, even for professionals. Missing just a handful of the market’s best days can seriously impact long-term returns. In other words, time in the market matters far more than timing the market.

Trying to jump in and out based on headlines or gut feeling can often lead to worse outcomes than simply staying invested and riding out short-term volatility.

Investments Are More Than Just the FTSE 100

It’s important to remember that most investors, aren’t (typically shouldn’t be) just putting their money into the FTSE 100. A well-constructed portfolio is likely to be diversified across different sectors, asset classes, and global markets. So even if the UK’s largest companies are seeing strong performance right now, that’s only one part of a much bigger picture.

Diversification helps smooth the journey and reduce risk, and it's a core principle of long-term investing.

What Should You Be Thinking About Instead?

Rather than asking “Is now the right time?”, a better question is often:
Does investing a lump sum or making further contributions, make sense for me right now, given my goals, financial position, and risk tolerance?

This is where working with an independent financial adviser adds real value. We don’t just look at markets, we look at you and your whole position.

With that full picture, we can help determine whether making a lump sum investment, setting up regular contributions, or holding off makes the most sense for you.

Final Thoughts

The FTSE 100’s performance is just one chapter in the broader investment story. While headlines may cause hesitation, strong market performance can also be a sign of economic resilience and investor confidence. Rather than trying to second-guess the market, staying focused on your personal plan and ensuring it's reviewed regularly is often the smartest approach.

If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to invest or contribute more to your portfolio, consider speaking to an independent financial adviser. We can help you weigh up the options in a clear, personalised way, so your investments support your long-term goals, whatever the markets are doing.

Your eventual income may depend on the size of fund when accessed, interest rates and legislation.