Retirement investors might want to take a closer look at what's happening in today's markets. There's a pattern emerging that some analysts are calling the 'Marie Antoinette' effect—where complacency at the top creates blind spots for everyone else.

Here's what's really going on: While institutional players and wealthy investors enjoy outsized gains in certain asset classes, the broader market structure shows growing disconnects. Asset valuations in certain sectors have stretched far beyond historical norms, yet retail retirement accounts continue following the same playbook.

The danger isn't just volatility. It's the illusion of stability masking underlying fragility. When markets reward short-term sentiment over fundamentals, those with the longest time horizons—like retirement savers—end up bearing the real cost.

What should concern you? Keep tabs on divergence signals. When blue-chip holdings and speculative assets both surge without clear fundamental drivers, that's when you need to stress-test your portfolio. Don't assume yesterday's diversification rules still apply.

Retirement planning demands contrarian thinking. That means questioning whether your current allocation truly protects you when market narratives suddenly shift.