Boy! Prepare for Ragnarok... of the Stock Market!

The Ghost of Gains Past

Hmph. The mortals call it a 'stock market recovery.' I call it a temporary reprieve. This fool Trump and his 'tariffs' sent the S&P 500 into a frenzy a pathetic dance of greed and fear. The market they say has recovered. But remember boy even a phoenix rises from ashes. And ashes... they are still ashes. The S&P 500 is close to its 'all time high' they cheer. As if numbers can stave off the inevitable. I have seen gods fall. A few green numbers mean nothing.

Diversify or Die (Financially)

These 'experts' preach 'diversification.' A sound strategy if you wish to avoid utter ruin. Michael Arone speaks of 'suspense' in the markets. I know suspense. I lived it for decades wondering when Zeus would strike next. He advises diversification for 'resilience.' Resilience? You mortals cling to such fragile concepts. Still heed his words. Do not place all your faith in one god... or one stock. Or you might get a visit from the Ghost of Sparta (for all the wrong reasons).

US Stocks? BOY! Look Beyond the Horizon

They babble about large cap tech stocks and international markets. Last year tech stocks surged and markets have performed greatly. They say 'Failure to prune some of those big positions now and add to underweight sectors could result in a portfolio that doesn't reflect your goals and risk appetite.' Hmph. As if goals and appetite have any meaning in the face of destiny. Still the Vanguard FTSE All World ex US ETF returned 16% this year. A paltry sum but better than nothing. The Americans hold too tightly to their soil. The world is vast. Invest accordingly.

Know Thyself (and Thy Risk Tolerance)

The market's slide in April was a 'gut check,' they say. A moment to question your risk. I know risk. I have stared into the abyss and laughed. Christine Benz speaks of 'derisking' as retirement approaches. Hmph. Retirement. A luxury I never had. But perhaps she has a point. Safety in old age is preferable to begging on the streets unless those streets are in Athens and then it depends on who I will run into... Add safer assets she says. 'Higher yields' offer better returns. Yields like gods can be fickle. Choose wisely.

Time is a Cruel Mistress: Plan Accordingly

Marguerita Cheng speaks of 'dollar cost averaging.' Investing incrementally spreading the risk. A prudent strategy if you lack the strength to seize victory in a single stroke. A measured approach for the faint of heart. She speaks to those nearing retirement. Remember boy time waits for no one. Not even a god. Plan accordingly or face the consequences.

Tax Loss Harvesting: A Necessary Evil

Ah taxes. The bane of all existence. They speak of 'tax loss harvesting.' Selling losing positions to offset gains. A clever trick to lessen the burden of the gods... or in this case the IRS. But beware the 'wash sale rule.' The IRS can block you if you are caught. Energy health care consumer discretionary sectors are lagging. Use this to your advantage mortals. Knowledge is power and power can delay the inevitable. But cannot prevent it.