So far, all three of the above points look set to deliver positive news, but it's important to keep in mind that any disappointment in these areas could weigh on stock performance.

2. Look beyond market news

Regardless of the economic situation or decisions on tariffs, investors should focus on how a company has done in the past and how it's set to succeed in the future. A company's earnings track record, the quality of its business, and prospects over time are more important than an economic backdrop that will eventually change. Strong companies will excel when times are good and have what it takes to withstand more difficult environments.

And some players, for example healthcare companies that generate steady revenue growth and often pay dividends, often even excel during tough times as investors seek out security.

All of this means that even if tariff or general economic uncertainties persist and weigh on stocks, you shouldn't stop investing. In fact, during these times, when stocks slip, you can find great deals on companies that have proven their earnings strength over time and can go on to deliver growth over the long run.

3. "Long term" are two of the most important words in investing

One of the most important things you can do when investing is focus on the prospects of a particular company or companies over years. And a close look at fundamentals, as mentioned above, will help you select these potential long-term winners.

Why is long-term investing so important? Because it increases your chances of scoring a win. Look at it this way: Even the best of companies encounter challenges from time to time, so if you invest only for a few weeks or months, you might experience one of these rough patches and see your investment sink. In fact, you will see your investments sink if you're in the market for any length of time. But, if you invest over a time frame of years and decades, you accompany a player through many periods and that smooths out those tough spots. Oover 10 years, for example, a bad year or two won't impact your overall return by much.

So, as we start the second half of 2025, it's important to keep an eye on the three subjects, mentioned above, but if one produces a negative surprise and weighs on stocks, this doesn't mean you should stop investing. Instead, seize the opportunity to get in on quality companies for a good price and focus on their potential over the long term.

Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity

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*Stock Advisor returns as of July 7, 2025

Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Should You Buy Stocks in the Second Half of 2025? 3 Crucial Things You Need to Know. was originally published by The Motley Fool