Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of February 8, 2022

Article Excerpt

Here’s a question we’ve received in various forms from a number of clients and readers. Even those who haven’t asked may wonder about the subject: Q: A lot of the stocks you’ve recommended, and I’ve purchased, are now at or near highs (thanks!). I’m wondering if it might be time to move into cash to wait for a market downturn. Thanks. A: In times like this, investors may feel tempted to “go into cash,” as the saying goes—that is, sell some or all of their stocks, and hold the proceeds in cash until the uncertainty subsides and the outlook is clearer. However, going into cash in reaction to uncertainty is rarely a good idea. By the time the uncertainty subsides, stock prices may have gone a lot higher. Our view is that you should only go into cash when you can’t find any stocks that look attractive enough to buy. It’s a particularly bad idea right now in my view, but I understand…