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Markets rise and fall—but not all cycles tell the same story. What do those ups and downs really mean for your investments?

Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Just as God designed natural cycles—the sun, the tides, the seasons—financial markets also move through cycles. While less predictable, these patterns help us understand where we are in the investing journey and how to prepare wisely for what’s ahead.

According to Mark Biller, Executive Editor at Sound Mind Investing (SMI), the two most common market cycles are known as bull markets (when prices rise) and bear markets (when prices fall). But within those categories lie two distinct types of trends: cyclical and secular.

“The terms might sound fancy,” says Biller, “but they really describe short-term versus long-term cycles.”

• Cyclical markets are the short-term ups and downs—periods that might last a few months to a few years.
• Secular markets are the broader, long-term trends that can span decades—often between 10 and 40 years.

Think of it like waves on the ocean. Cyclical markets are the smaller waves that move in and out, while secular markets are the larger tides that shape the shoreline over time.

From 1968 to 1982, the S&P 500 was essentially flat—a 15-year stretch where inflation eroded nearly 60% of investors’ purchasing power. That’s what economists call a secular bear market—a long-term period of little to no progress.

Yet within that broader season, there were multiple shorter-term bull and bear cycles. Investors who recognized those patterns could navigate the market with more perspective and less panic.

The same was true from 2000 to 2009, another decade of overall stagnation in U.S. stocks. “But even then,” Biller notes, “we saw two cyclical bear markets with a five-year bull market sandwiched between them.”

The takeaway? Even in long-term downturns, some shorter-term opportunities and recoveries keep markets moving forward over time.

Understanding these cycles isn’t just an academic exercise. “It’s actually more helpful when it comes to bonds than stocks,” Biller explains.

That’s because bond markets move in much longer secular cycles. From 1982 to 2021, the U.S. enjoyed a 40-year secular bull market in bonds as interest rates steadily declined from 15% to near zero. But since 2020, that trend has reversed. “Interest rates have been rising again,” Biller says, “and that’s led to negative returns for many bond investors over the last five years.”

This shift could signal the beginning of a secular bear market for bonds—a long period in which rising interest rates make it harder for bonds to perform well.

For decades, the “60/40” portfolio—60% stocks and 40% bonds—was the gold standard for balanced investing. But in today’s environment, that mix may need to evolve.

“At Sound Mind Investing (SMI), we’ve reduced our bond allocation to around 30%,” Biller explains. “We haven’t abandoned bonds altogether, but we’re diversifying beyond them.”

Your anger, instead of becoming your worst nightmare, can be your best friend. In fact, God wants to turn your anger into a tool that will serve you and help you like never before. Join Chip as he unpacks this powerful tool from God’s Word.

Introduction: Anger is a secondary emotion

• It is easier to be angry than to face the deeper, more sensitive issues of anger.
• Anger is not the problem. Anger is the red warning light on the dashboard – something under the hood is amiss.
• We cover stuff inside that God wants to heal, forgive, and restore.

Three root issues behind anger:

1. HURT = Real or perceived unmet needs

• Tool: “I feel….” Messages – Attack the issue not the person

2. FRUSTRATION = Real or perceived unmet expectations

• Tool: “I desire…” vs. “I demand….” Statements

3. INSECURITY = Real or perceived attacks on my worth

• Tool: Ask yourself, “Why am I feeling threatened?”

Summary: The first step in overcoming the destructive power of anger is the COURAGE to look below the surface.

• Anger is the light on the dashboard; something’s wrong under the hood.
• Anger is our way of protecting ourselves from painful, hard-to-deal-with hurts, frustrations, and insecurities.
• Anger has many faces and despite its power for good, it destroys, unless we learn to…-Acknowledge it-Back-track to the 1st emotion-Consider the real cause-Determine to rightly respond

Broadcast Resource

• Overcoming Emotions that Destroy Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Overcoming Emotions that Destroy Small Group Offer

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Is money an asset or liability to your marriage? It depends on your attitude toward money.  If you look to money for the things that money can buy to make you happy, then money will be a source of conflict in your marriage.

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Think complaining is just harmless venting?  Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe warns about the spiritual dangers of grumbling.  Through the example of the Israelites in Exodus 16, we’ll see how wrong focus takes us from celebration to complaining, and why challenges test our dependence on God.  Fight the grumble this season on Bold Steps with Mark Jobe.

Bold Step Gift: A JOURNEY TO VICTORIOUS PRAYING: FINDING DISCIPLINE AND DELIGHT IN YOUR PRAYER LIFE by Dr. Bill Thrasher

Become a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldsteps

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He was terminated for open violation of the school’s doctrinal statement. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

Discover the conversion process in the life of Paul and how no one is beyond the reach of our heavenly Father.

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