Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXVII You’ve told some heroic stories about your loved ones on the front lines and your children who are doctors and nurses working 19-20 hours days. Some of you who work in hospitals now are telling me it’s a war zone, especially those of you in New York. Thank you. As the number of Americans losing the battle is peaking, I think all of us are thankful for the good that we have in our lives. As I wrote to you yesterday, it is shocking how this virus has ruined the finances of those that should have been better prepared. How a large group of … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market
What My RAGE Gauge™ is Telling You
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXVI Before you dig into my latest RAGE Gauge™, let’s spend a few minutes defining the coronavirus pandemic: It has been way harder for some than it needed to be. I’m not talking about the poor. I’m not talking about those who are living paycheck to paycheck, either. Unfortunately, for a large swath of Americans, a $1,000 shock to monthly income is devastating. That may never change. The group I’m talking about is, perhaps, the fifth of you who have savings: the wealthy, the upper-middle class, the middle-class, the doctors and lawyers and … [Read more...]
Media’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXV If you have watched President Trump’s press conferences, especially last Saturday night, you’ve seen him hit it out of the park like a modern-day Babe Ruth. He’s leading from the front. He’s in control. He defers to experts and has an A-1 lieutenant in VP Pence. Turn your eyes to the cesspool media and their negative questions and all you get are “what have you done for me lately?” questions. It’s as if they’re not even there, straight out of Hunter Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In a time of America’s governor-inflated crisis, the … [Read more...]
Investing Takes Faith
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXIV Once again, you’ve been telling me all week how much you miss Richard C. Young’s Intelligence Report. That’s OK. I’m used to it especially in times like these. But don’t despair. If you’ve followed Dick’s advice, through thick and thin, you’re in the catbird seat today, because one of his most enduring messages has always been to be a prudent investor and to know thyself. To know thy risk tolerance like you know your family. (Sorry about the sheltering in place!). It takes faith to invest. It takes a little push forward to get you out of … [Read more...]
Barter is Back: Know the True Value of Your Eggs and Soap
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXIII Barter is back. You may be one of the Americans who has been forced to trade eggs or soap for toilet paper. But you need to know the true value of what you own. That goes for your investments as well. Olga Kharif reports at Bloomberg: Since the beginning of March, unattended folding tables have begun popping up at intersections and the end of people’s driveways, offering everyday goods like rice, a jar of jam or bread. Take what you need and leave what you can, the signs say. Barter, the trade system prevalent in the Middle Ages, is back in the … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXII
Only Trump Saw the Risk in America's Relationship with China You’ve known for some time now that for many Americans today the “American Dream” is simply that, a dream. You’ve instinctively known this. It was in your gut. If you haven’t, hopefully you’ll seek out the peace of mind and safety you deserve when the coast is clear. That may be a while. You know I’ve been a big supporter of the message Tucker Carlson’s been making on his show each night, that we need an American Dream (my words) that is open to Americans. When I was in college, globalism dominated discussions about the … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XXI
How are you holding up? Other than the fact that today feels like yesterday, you’re telling me you’re OK. If you had a well-diversified, balanced investment plan—your retirement plan is still intact. Retirement planning isn’t fun. It’s not supposed to be fun. But, putting the fun aside, aren’t you glad you spent time thinking about your retirement many years ago? Whether through our conversations or Richard C. Young’s Intelligence Report, you began understanding the importance of a well thought out strategy. Based on the performance numbers for balanced portfolios, you’ve been able to … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XX
Yesterday we entered a bull market with the Dow advancing 20% from it’s most recent low. Big deal. We are certainly seeing price discrepancies, especially in the fixed income market and have tied down some attractive yields for potentially years to come. The key to investing in markets like these is to stay focused, be patient, and always be ready to make a move when the research begins to show some real values. I have no interest in worrying if the coast is clear. That’s not investing. But seeking values certainly is. You have spoken and I have listened. Here’s what you told … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XIX
You have spoken and I have listened. Here’s what you told me: How much you miss Richard C. Young’s Intelligence Report, especially if you’re not a client. I’m not saying that to rub anything in, this is not the reason for writing this. I just want you to know that you’re not alone and your words are not forgotten. This is my message to you today from one client: “E.J., times like these are why I’m with you guys. I’m good. Thanks for the call.” Read my entire series, Coronavirus Infects Stock Market here. … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Infects Stock Market: Part XVIII
Before you hear about my conversations with successful Americans like yourself, let's take a quick step back and look at where the market has been over the last 20-years and consider that if you're receiving dividends they help you dollar cost average through thick and thin. Every day during this crisis, I'm hearing about what you're doing to survive and thrive, and thanks to you, I've gained some valuable on the ground intelligence. Here's an email I received after a relaxed morning call with a client who is certainly prepared to live off the grid: One thing I didn't mention... It … [Read more...]