It’s the end of the week and another edition of Happy Hour. Sit back, relax and browse some of the great topics I came across this week!
Waiting For The Shoe To Drop?
With the glass half empty media mindset on the market and economy of late, it certainly seems like we’re waiting for the shoe to drop. With the impressive first quarter run up, it’s very reminiscent of last year, just without the impending European collapse.
Last year at this time we were seeing good first quarter earnings. Then the European debt crisis and the US debt ceiling hit the news, putting fear back into the markets.
Once again we’re seeing good first quarter earnings. So, we’re holding our breath waiting for a repeat of fear entering the markets. But it’s not happening. The fact is things are good. The US economy has been the little train that could, slowly chugging itself up the mountain. The economic indicators point to a continued slow recovery.
So what do we have to be concerned about? Europe isn’t off the table, but it’s nothing like last year. Will the market have a dip this year? Sure and when it does, I’ll be buying. Just like last year. Later this year there is the November elections and the impending tax changes in 2013. It’s still too early to have an effect, but something worth thinking about.
Last Call
- It seems creative bearishness is the new norm, but that’s more about the media’s need to sell headlines. Unfortunately is just not cool to be optimistic. It’s just crazy talk.
- Here’s one of those rare optimistic views on the future of America. Pretty uplifting stuff that all sounds good to me. Too bad positive thinking isn’t a media selling tool.
- I mentioned politics earlier. If you know what you’re looking for, investing in election years can offer some interesting opportunities. Now is a good time to starting planning ahead on research topics.
- If you haven’t gotten enough about Steve Jobs’s life, I recommend taking the time to pour over this. The entire article is taken from interview tapes taken years before he returned to Apple.
- Lastly, proof that you shouldn’t pay attention to the daily market banter. I couldn’t agree more. If your investing horizon is long-term, there is no need to focus on the day-to-day movements.
