It isn't, but it's a convenient model that holds true on average.
What people actually do is say: "oh, crap...I can't make money in fixed-income securities. I guess I'll dump my retirement in stocks instead." This flood of money eventually makes its way to the riskiest stocks and props up high valuations.
What people actually do is say: "oh, crap...I can't make money in fixed-income securities. I guess I'll dump my retirement in stocks instead." This flood of money eventually makes its way to the riskiest stocks and props up high valuations.