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The stock market loves good news and hates bad news. The problem is that it has trouble deciding which is which. It also reserves the right to pause and change its mind midstream, without prior notice to the investing public.

Last week, the US Congress passed what the media refers to as “The Big, Beautiful, Bill. It covers a sweeping number of topics that will impact the trajectory of our society and economy for years to come. Many of the issues addressed in the Big, Beautiful, Bill are social in nature and of minor concern to the market. But there are two areas covered in the bill that have significant implications for the market’s future: Energy and interest rates.

The response of the 90 million Americans with 401(k) plans to this hazy forecast could be one of confusion and despair. But history tells us that the American economy has faced many uncertain times. And each and every time has emerge bigger and stronger. If the stock markets initial response to the Big Bill is negative, those 401(k) participants who are index funds investors will be able to buy additional shares at a reduced price and lower their average cost. If the markets response is positive, the total value of 401(k) index fund portfolios will increase in value.

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