Dow is up, but just +25 at the moment today, after a big slide, last few. Russell 2000 is up 3.33. But watch the selling into the end of the day. Most of my Large-caps are in Asia; small-caps, domestic. But my small-caps are just 2.22% of total portfolio. This Market is going nowhere in a big hurry. Assuming there will be enough voters in November NOT to allow the 1% elite to screw the rest of us, Obama will be re-elected. But that's not much better, come to think of it. Being in the Market (whether mostly with equities or bonds or a combo) is the Only Game In Town. But the game SUCKS.
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Dittoe. "As for the 1%, both possible candidates are clearly looking out for them, despite any statements otherwise", while suspect the 1% knows this, I wish the other 99% would too.
As for investments, I've increased exposure to Asia and emerging markets (much of that is consumer-related) in general and am pretty much staying put, although I am looking at taking a little flyer bet on of some of the commodity plays that have done terribly, such as Vale (which does have preference shares.) Obviously, I would not suggest those near retirement age take such risks. I do think, however, that natural resource funds have done pretty terribly over the last couple of years and those with a long-term view may (again, absolutely know your risk tolerance) want to take a look at *starting* a small position and averaging into some of these funds (buying what hasn't done well instead of what's done best) over time. On the flip side, I'd be completely understanding of those who don't want to take any risk here at all, as the near-to-mid term (if not farther) could see some serious problems in Europe and otherwise.
Am going to try to get to Schwab this week and open an account / buy a bit of GASFX.
Saw a thing lately on Facebook illustrating the voting American public as "sheeple" chomping down stuff from a trough labeled "LIES." ........Yup. That sums it up.
As for me, I can do no better than to ride out this downturn and then back up, surely it will happen in spurts and baby-steps, one step forward, one step back. I continue to re-invest quarterly and monthly dividends. My two biggest positions are still PREMX (38.87%) and MAPIX (30.14%). The only things not paying me something every few months is a zero-coupon bond which matures July 1, 2013, and also MSCFX.
The bond proceeds will come in handy. The hard-dollar amount brings me EXACTLY to my yearly deductible limit on the (Trad.) IRA side of things. I plan to simply re-deploy it in an IRA. Probably split between MSCFX (2.22% of holdings) & MAPOX. (2.11%.)