Our financial system is crumbling this week.

[Freed Roger]

When I informed a co-worker yesterday about the sudden chaos - he had a satisfied look on his face since he had moved all his funds to cash a week ago. But now he has no idea on when to get back in.

[vinsanity]

When I informed a co-worker yesterday about the sudden chaos - he had a satisfied look on his face since he had moved all his funds to cash a week ago. But now he has no idea on when to get back in.

I've never really understood this thinking. And the same with gold, to a different extent.

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

This is why your average investor can't even match an index's rate of return. A lot of smart people made a lot of money yesterday and during the Lehman fall-out, it's part of the reason the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The poor cash out at the bottom cause they are 'scared' and the rich buy at the bottom cause it'll go up.

[heyzeus]

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

That's why I've converted all of my stocks, mutual funds, and cash into ammo, spam, and toilet paper. When the Revolucalypse comes, I will be the King of the United State of Heyzeus, and you will barter with me for yams on my terms.

[lukethedrifter]

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

That's why I've converted all of my stocks, mutual funds, and cash into ammo, spam, and toilet paper. When the Revolucalypse comes, I will be the King of the United State of Heyzeus, and you will barter with me for yams on my terms.

You'll still be screwed at the Chimpacolypse.

[sighyoung]

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

That's why I've converted all of my stocks, mutual funds, and cash into ammo, spam, and toilet paper. When the Revolucalypse comes, I will be the King of the United State of Heyzeus, and you will barter with me for yams on my terms.

Given the explosive nature of your stockpile, I'm shorting against your ammo and toilet paper positions while investing heavily in roast spam futures.

[TimeForGuinness]

When I informed a co-worker yesterday about the sudden chaos - he had a satisfied look on his face since he had moved all his funds to cash a week ago. But now he has no idea on when to get back in.

I've never really understood this thinking. And the same with gold, to a different extent.

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

This is why your average investor can't even match an index's rate of return. A lot of smart people made a lot of money yesterday and during the Lehman fall-out, it's part of the reason the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The poor cash out at the bottom cause they are 'scared' and the rich buy at the bottom cause it'll go up.

This.

/which is why I bought at March lows last year
//not rich, just saw the opportunity and had some extra cash

[Freed Roger]

When I informed a co-worker yesterday about the sudden chaos - he had a satisfied look on his face since he had moved all his funds to cash a week ago. But now he has no idea on when to get back in.

I've never really understood this thinking. And the same with gold, to a different extent.

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

This is why your average investor can't even match an index's rate of return. A lot of smart people made a lot of money yesterday and during the Lehman fall-out, it's part of the reason the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The poor cash out at the bottom cause they are 'scared' and the rich buy at the bottom cause it'll go up.

This.

/which is why I bought at March lows last year
//not rich, just saw the opportunity and had some extra cash

I agree in part -that attempts at market timing on a regular basis is foolhardy. But it does help to pay attention - have a macro view looking for sea changes. The co-worker said he sensed the market was growing beyond reasonableness and felt it was due to correct. If you can avoid the hit, why not?

Personally, I just take a peak at the world and economy and make an adjustment to the retirement funds a couple times per year. A lot of people in my age range set their retirement funds back 5 years because they relied too much on growth fund dogma.

and lmao of Heyzeus etal banter.

[TimeForGuinness]

When I informed a co-worker yesterday about the sudden chaos - he had a satisfied look on his face since he had moved all his funds to cash a week ago. But now he has no idea on when to get back in.

I've never really understood this thinking. And the same with gold, to a different extent.

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

This is why your average investor can't even match an index's rate of return. A lot of smart people made a lot of money yesterday and during the Lehman fall-out, it's part of the reason the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The poor cash out at the bottom cause they are 'scared' and the rich buy at the bottom cause it'll go up.

This.

/which is why I bought at March lows last year
//not rich, just saw the opportunity and had some extra cash

I agree in part -that attempts at market timing on a regular basis is foolhardy. But it does help to pay attention - have a macro view looking for sea changes. The co-worker said he sensed the market was growing beyond reasonableness and felt it was due to correct. If you can avoid the hit, why not?

Personally, I just take a peak at the world and economy and make an adjustment to the retirement funds a couple times per year. A lot of people in my age range set their retirement funds back 5 years because they relied too much on growth fund dogma.

and lmao of Heyzeus etal banter.

I do the same thing with my 401k...I adjust quarterly (if I feel like I need to). Right now, we are a little volatile...the market has jumped back up to higher levels without job recovery. Europe is starting to freak out. Now we get word that the unemployment rate is around 9.9% and that 290,000 jobs were added in April which is great. Looking forward, inflation is an issue, and rates will rise.

I'm on the fence if I want to pull to a more conservative position or let it ride where it's at now (medium risk on average). Looking for an indication on market movement in either direction to see where I can make the most.

[vinsanity]

I agree in part -that attempts at market timing on a regular basis is foolhardy. But it does help to pay attention - have a macro view looking for sea changes. The co-worker said he sensed the market was growing beyond reasonableness and felt it was due to correct. If you can avoid the hit, why not?

Personally, I just take a peak at the world and economy and make an adjustment to the retirement funds a couple times per year. A lot of people in my age range set their retirement funds back 5 years because they relied too much on growth fund dogma.

As long as you're moving from an equity position to a cash position to miss the slide, and then get back in - I see your point. But the 'average' American (i.e. pullin something like $44k with 2.5 kids) was panicking when we were on our way to 6500. While their cash and holdings make up a relatively small percentage, them selling off in a rush and pulling money out of their banks is part of what lead to the credit crunch and IMO part of what keeps the economy from recovering faster.

I can see where he thought we were do for a correction, but the market moving 1400 points in 12 minutes seemed like a combo of error, fear and Greece. Today would probably be a good day to get back in, it'll start climbing again before long. I read on a blog called iwillteachyoutoberich (it's ok), if you missed the 10 biggest one day gains over the last 20 years your return went from like 10% to around 6%. So moving in and out to time the market can cost you a lot of money, too.

For the record, I'm young and dumb and have little money in the market. My neighbor is a broker and helps me out. I just like to learn, and I like numbers.

[planet planet]

The market will go up. It's either going up or our whole economy is gonna go in the crapper. It's either goin up or all the way down. If it goes all the way down, do you really think your cash is going to be worth anything?

That's why I've converted all of my stocks, mutual funds, and cash into ammo, spam, and toilet paper. When the Revolucalypse comes, I will be the King of the United State of Heyzeus, and you will barter with me for yams on my terms.

I want your yams now and I'm willing to pay a premium.