Long-term investing demands a careful balance: stocks typically rally on the promise of cheaper money from expected rate cuts, but this momentum clashes with clear structural economic weakness that necessitates the cuts. History favors stocks during easing cycles. However, the key risk lies in whether economic weakness persists and hammers corporate earnings, eventually undermining high valuations. The recent “hawkish cut” by the Fed surprised markets, indicating concern for a deteriorating jobs picture over inflation. While the market continues to rally on optimism, as legendary investor David Tepper warns, valuations are high. The strategy remains to maintain equity exposure to ride the easing cycle while holding significant cash to capitalize on any likely drawdown.