Lance

Why I'm Not 100% Convinced That We've Entered A Bear Market

First, even if we are in a bear market, they are notoriously difficult to play. Slow slides followed by short covering rallies that will make your head swim.

I think you've made some good points, and considered this from several angles. The way I would play this if I was in US equities is pretty straightforward. I'd be oscillating between zero and about 50 percent long, as apparent buying opportunities presented themselves. I would hold the other 50 percent in reserve for the 25 to 35 percent pullback, which may never come, but which is much more likely under the current circumstances than it was before. I think if you go 100 percent long here, at any point near term, you risk getting trapped.

I agree, there is no bubble waiting to be popped. The downside is very, very unlikely to be 50 percent, or 70 percent. But the downside is certainly 20 to 30 percent possibly. Thirty percent off S&P 500 at 1500 is way, way down there at about 1,050. Even 20 percent puts it at about 1200. Anybody willing to have 100 percent get trapped like that? Anybody think it can't happen?

Try 120-dollar oil for starters. Try and imagine what earnings might be like in the next two "earnings seasons".

P/Es are reasonable? Sure, but not cheap. I go back to when they have slumped to 12, or even 10. It happens.

The game is rigged to the upside, and anyone who doesn't realize that is not too clever. But from time to time there is substantial downside risk. This next 6 to 12 months is one of those times, I think. Keep an oar in the water if you must, but don't get sucked in. There are times, not often, but I think this is one of them, that call for more substantial cash reserves than normal. I want to buy at 1100 or 1200. It will take cash. I will have some.