How should one choose between 3-5 yrs and 10 yrs of equity investment?

One should choose between a 3-5-year and 10-year equity investment horizon based on when the money will be needed, rather than how long an investor wants to invest. A longer horizon allows investors to withstand market volatility, while a shorter horizon requires valuation discipline. Hence, investors can divide their equity allocation according to their goals and liquidity needs.