Being that unique investor who has the power to consistently time the market and always make a profit is the dream for most people who trade their own accounts.
Even among those who don't aspire to be the perfect market timer, many think they can call a top and act accordingly. It's at these times when investors choose to sit on the sidelines and wait for a 'perceived' better opportunity to invest in the market.
Giving up too soon at the first sign of inconvenience often leads to missed opportunities among numerous individuals who try to trade on their own retirement. For example, many investors have forfeited immense chances waiting for the Retail-Wholesale stocks to correct, only see the latter achieve new highs, move higher and drive the buyer markets to record levels: ASOS PLS ADR (ASOMY), AutoZone, Inc. (AZO), Abercrombie Fitch Company (ANF), Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (ARCO), Aarons, Inc. (AAN)
Dread and exuberance regularly propel investors into merely 'reacting' to market volatility, rather than envisioning market trends.
Accomplished market timing requires three key components: 1) A dependable sign of when to get in and out of stocks. 2) The capacity to act upon signals quickly and accurately. 3) Have the stomach to act on market signals, no matter how counterintuitive the move may be.
Many investors think of market timing success as a win or lose proposition. But there is a less notable, rather straightforward, successful market timing approach that has been utilized effectively time after time by astute investors like Warren Buffet.
Rule 1: Never try and time tops and bottoms.
Surrendering the objective to time the tops and bottoms gives you the adaptability to benefit and increase your odds to secure profits over the long-term, even if your calls aren't always right.
Rule 2: Don't sell during small crashes – ride the storm out, or better yet, take advantage of the opportunity.
Warren Buffett has made an incredible piece of his fortune because of this basic standard. He benefits by focusing on the long – term and buying high quality stocks at a discount during large market corrections to profit down the road.
There is a key distinction between a small correction and a market crash. If the companies you own are established and successful, they are likely to return to their pre – crash price before long, making holding on the wisest decision. Warren Buffett takes this idea one step further and often goes on a buying spree when markets turn, essentially buying additional shares of his top stock picks at a big discount and listening to his own advice, 'Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.'
A Risk Adjusted Trading Strategy Should be Followed for Your Retirement Assets
It's just human that many surrender to emotions and attempt and game the framework by timing the market. But consider this: Nobel Laureate William Sharpe found in 1975 that a market timer would have to be accurate 74% of the time to beat a passive portfolio. Even a slight outperformance probably wouldn't be worth the energy – and given that even the experts generally fail at it, market timing shouldn't be your exclusive investing strategy of choice, especially using assets earmarked for your retirement.
Actively trading for alpha, outsized, short – term gains through market timing and other high – risk trading strategies is fine with a small portion of your investable assets, but for your longer – term retirement assets, a "risk -adjusted focused" investment solution generally makes more sense.
If you'd like to learn how to 'super-charge' your retirement assets, get our free report:
Will You Retire as a Multi-Millionaire? 7 Things You Can Do Now.
This report can help you maximize your retirement nest-egg without the high risk of attempting to successfully time the markets. Click here for free report>>
ASOS PLS ADR (ASOMY): Free Stock Analysis Report
Aarons, Inc. (AAN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Abercrombie Fitch Company (ANF): Free Stock Analysis Report
AutoZone, Inc. (AZO): Free Stock Analysis Report
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (ARCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
