Stocks Climb a Wall of Worry: What You Should Know | Legacy Finance Clovis

Have you ever heard the Wall Street adage, "Stocks climb a wall of worry"?

It means that stock prices have historically trended higher when investors worry about economic issues, geopolitical uncertainty, or, in this case, a possible government shutdown later this month.

On January 30, 2026, temporary funding, which ended the most recent shutdown, will expire. Now that Congress is back in session, following a six-week break, expect attention to focus on how a new spending bill will be structured.

Also expect some stock market volatility in the weeks ahead as Congressional leaders continue to push for new funding proposals. 

But as you watch the headlines, remember the adage above about walls of worry. Stocks sometimes appear to perform best when investors are least expecting. Just think about April 2025, when the economic outlook was pretty dark after the Liberation Day tariffs. Stocks then went on a six-month winning streak. 

Remember, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Stock prices often react to short-term developments; however, try to avoid letting emotions drive your investment decisions. On Wall Street, there is always something to worry about. 

At Legacy Finance, based in Clovis and serving the greater Fresno area, we help clients stay grounded during uncertain markets by focusing on disciplined planning, diversification, and long-term goals.

On Wall Street, there is always something to worry about. The difference is having a financial plan that helps you move forward with clarity—regardless of the headlines.

^{Bloomberg.com, September 26, 2025}