GaryCCB

The Week Ahead: Geopolitical Issues Dominate

Is that John Kerry speaking? We haven't even approached the Carter years. 18% interest rates, gas lines, disposing of the dreaded Shah of Iran. Turning the Panama Canal over to the Chinese. 12% unemployment.

Yea, I remember that one. I suspect we may be forced to join the Chinese and drill our own oil off the gulf of Mexico. Jeeze, what's it coming to...

Back to 1998: Lessons from the G7 Then and Now

Why are Libs compelled to blame anything wrong with America on Conservatives? Real mystery to me - and I'm no "W" fan. IMHO, this financial unraveling goes back to Carter. Remember the gas lines, double digit inflation and double digit interest rates?

Every admin since has perpetuated the problem. Quite simply, ever and always, growing government is the culprit. And too many (way, way too many) Fat, Dumb & Happy Americans increasingly look to Daddy Government to hand them more.

This will all come to a miserable end because what's left of the Free Market will punish us. You simply can't handcuff Capitalism.

My question is - where the heck does one find safe haven in this coming calamity? Hard assets? A stash under the matress? Loan sharking? (oops that's already being done)

Any ideas?

The Risk of Missing a Reentry When the Market Turns

Good advice. It seems easy to imagine that getting out completely when things are declining - and then jumping back in when the markets turn - is the thing to do. But my experience has taught me it's very difficult to time a Bull Market. I know I've missed more opportunities to make money by sucking my thumb that by simply being in the game when the 80 yard pass is sucessful.

Having said that, today we have trailing stops (percentage is my favorite type) to protect us to a reasonable degree and conditional buys that are helpful, too.

Finally, asset allocation is something to be considered very carefully in all market conditions. And adjusted, if necessary to reflect uncertainties. 'Nuff said - for me...