Here's a little clue for you all

[dryheat]

-"It's important for investors to do their homework ? diligence matters. Betting on stocks to keep going up just because they've been going up in the past is no longer a reliable strategy," he said.-

So, we've been lucky so far. Again, me being a storm chaser looks forward to the big one.

[Major Tom]

My advice for future investors: If you cannot afford to lose your investment, then do not invest!

[kj47]

In todays world thats the best advice!

[Allen]

Many things move the market. Some, we see. Some are obvious. Some, we can't predict and the market is often purposely manipulated for profit. THAT can work for us but usually works against us because we don't know when or if that is going to happen or which direction the manipulation is going to go.

I believe in doing your homework but so often the info just isn't there. Best to invest in small amounts for small gain/loss rather than huge amounts to get rich quick or get poor quick.

[Johnny P]

Just watch what Paul Pelosi does. He consistently beats the hedge fund managers. Totally uncanny.

[Allen]

Just watch what Paul Pelosi does. He consistently beats the hedge fund managers. Totally uncanny.

And can do it while being drunk.

He sure sucks as picking out wives though.

[Johnny P]

And can do it while being drunk.

He sure sucks as picking out wives though.

That's why he stays drunk. If he had shown the cops Nancy's picture they would probably have let him go.

[Mark in Ottawa]

In addition, do not forget the principle of diversification. General rule is that you need to diversify among classes of investments (Cash; fixed income, both short term and long term; equities, both domestic and international). In addition in the equities class you need at least six different stocks in different parts of the economy. Finally, no individual security should represent more than 10% of your portfolio

Depending on the economy some asset classes will move up while others move down but overall, if you diversify, you are unlikely to go bankrupt

An easy way to diversify is to buy either Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) or Mutual Funds, both of which hold baskets of different securities. ETFs have very low management funds and just follow the market or part of the market. Mutual funds are more expensive but in theory, are managed by professionals. In both cases,, there are hundreds of choices with varying levels of risk attached to them

[dryheat]

When everyone is talking about the stock market(or anything), it's time to bail.