Should you still buy stocks at market highs?

THIS is a common question at the beginning of a year: Should you still buy stocks? In particular, what stock should you buy?

In 2026, these questions carry extra weight. The Straits Times Index (STI) is off to a strong start, surpassing the 4,700 level for the first time. Record highs have a way of making even simple decisions seem stressful.

On this note, I would reframe the question entirely. It’s not what you should buy, but what you need. This simple shift in focus matters.