(12-18-2018, 07:17 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: In the long run, a diversified investment in the stock market will very probably give a greater return than any other normal investment.   History proves that this is true.  

The problem is, no one can predict how long "the long run" will be.  

In the meantime, you have to have a lot of discipline to ride the roller coaster up and down.   A lot of people say they can withstand the pain of a protracted decline, until it happens.  Then you see who really has nerve and discipline.

Exactly.  I'm still up for the year even though the major indexes (DOW, S&P, NASDAQ, Russel 2000) are flirting with their 52 week lows.  Bonds are up and I've still reaped in some gains due to dividends and re-investment.  I'm toying with the idea of buying right now, but the market seems just a bit too volatile at the moment.  

I'm staying mostly in cash right now with the exception of a few long term investments that are still up 20% + since my initial investment and up around 8% for the year(disappointing, but it happens).  I'll probably not look at buying until after the 1st of the year.

Look for a big sell-off tomorrow should The Fed (as expected) announce another interest rate hike of around 1/4%.  This goes against what The President wants, but The Fed is (supposedly) non-political and does what they think is best for the economy.

On the other hand, should The Fed announce that they are holding interest rates where they are right now, look for a big rally in the market.  The announcement comes at 2PM Eastern Time.

The bottom line though as The Real Marty pointed out is having a diversified portfolio and riding both the highs and the lows.  Trying to time the market is pretty much just gambling not investing.

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