sorry, but "always be in the market" is a rule predicated on a period of history that's been especially kind to the good ole' usofa. there is absolutely no guarantee or even reason to believe in a guarantee of the same going forward.

here's something to think about, and i know i'll take downvotes to hell for all this: if everyone agrees and everyone is investing (for retirement etc) identically (long stocks bonds whatevers), what are the odds it's "cheap" or represents future extraordinary gains?