<prompt> Human: The US kicks off a huge trade war and it goes up? Maybe its because Im old, but I remember when the smallest variations in the interest rate or minor troubles in international trade would send the market into a tail spin. Can anyone explain why all the economic uncertainty in the US hasnt rattled the market?  <response>: The stock market is a fun animal, and like other forces of nature, is hard to predict. If you look at US Total Stock Market Index, per your example, you wont see much variation beyond large dips ala the 08 crash. But if you look at specialized sectors, like oil, steel, and other places where tariffs are getting enforced, then youll see a lot more volatility. As always, time in the market is better than timing the market. Buy and hold, let turbulence correct itself overtime, and laugh as you beat all the people that panic-sell during a correction. Gg, no re. 