Before you jump the gun and call it quits on the market based on a tough week for the market, I want you to know a few things;

1.  Since 1980 the average intra-year decline in the SP500 has been roughly 14%.  26 out those 34 years despite the average intra-year drop the market closed positive, 76% of the time.  That does not mean that the declines were not painful, its just a reminder that the market goes UP and DOWN not up OR down.  And, draw-downs are unavoidable, there is no sense in trying to avoid what cannot be avoided.

2.  Its never been wise to be a bear for too long.  In the last 89 years stocks closed down 20% or more 6 times (7%).  35 out of the last 89 years stocks delivered 20%+ returns, (39%).  Try to minimize your losses but never forget that the real game is played on the long side.

3.  When the market gets volatile less is better and a proven market timing system might be of tremendous benefit, this will keep you from jumping the gun.  Investors Business Daily market timing system comes to mind.  You can find this information daily in the B-section of the newspaper. What you want to be in the look for is when their market pulse goes from “market in correction” to “market in confirmed uptrend”.  I found that their market timing system works a lot better after corrections rather than when they are calling for a correction, no system is bullet proof.

4.  Time is your best investment tool, better than RSI, sentiment polls, MACD, etc…Cut losses, live to fight another day.

5.  Realize that there is a time to be aggressive and a time to just move a couple of pawns around just get a feel for the environment.

6.  Stay thirsty, don’t disengage.

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This information is issued solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. None of the information contained in this blog constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. From time to time, the content creator or its affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in this blog. The stocks presented are not to be considered a recommendation to buy any stock. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives. Investors should consult their own financial or investment adviser before trading or acting upon any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results.