Crew Capital Management Thoughts on Investment

Welcome to the Crew Capital Management Thoughts on Investment blog. At Crew Capital, investment education is key to how we work with our clients. We hope our conversation and analysis entice you to think further on your investment strategies and planning. For further discussion, please contact us at rjung@crewcapital.com

Thank you!
Robert F. Jung, CFA CPA*

*CPA inactve

Friday, May 14, 2010

Interesting Question

With six consecutive intraday triple digit swings from high to low in the DJIA index, where is the safest bet during these uncertain times?

Beginning last Thursday, volatility has returned to US markets with a vengeance. So who's going to win the battle between the bulls and bears now? With the loss in confidence in global markets and the further exposure of the rigging games of markets precipitated by the 700 point drop in the DJIA in ten minutes last Thursday, sustained volatility and further corrections are likely in our near future. If so, then where's the safest place to be now? (Source: SmartKnolwedgeU, LLC)

This is a "Sales Tactic". It's being used to promote FEAR.

One should not listen to this NOISE. The portfolio should be managed based on the intended use of the money (duration management). It is impossible to continuously guess the direction of the markets and the economy. Historically, economist have correctly predicted the direction of the economy +/-30% of the time, therefore they were wrong +/-70% of the time. Why would anyone individually or with professional help then search for the "best investment in uncertain times"? By the time it's identified it's too late.

Solution - Strategic Portfolio Management based on your specific risk/return profile. Think of it as the roller coast ride you are willing take with your portfolio, before panic sets in. It's not easy to Identify and it is dynamic. Behavioral Finance studies have shown that it is a moving target (feeling) based on what most recently happened to you. So you must use logic (easier said than done) and education to manage the panic/emotion reaction. A prudent portfolio starts with a focus on the following:

1) Capturing Market Returns, not chasing the "hot dot"
2) Diversification
3) Asset Allocation
4) Reducing Cost
5) Rebalancing to target

It's focusing on the things you have control over.

This is not an active vs. passive argument. In the long run, I think both with get you where you need to be, i.e. it's a push. One just reduce the knee jerk reactions - I'll let you decide which.

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