“January is always an entertaining time in the investment industry. Not only is it a time when we can reflect on the past year and grade the predictions made, we are also offered a glimpse into what the market can expect and make our investment decisions accordingly. Market doomsayers and market optimists both take their shot at being the hero.”
This is the type of reading I like to have on a plane ride or brief wait in the doctor’s office. Entertainment to pass the time, yes; sound financial advice, no.
An article by Weston Wellington, Vice President with Dimensional Fund Advisors. In it, he cites market prognosticators who were less than accurate with their predictions.
I am fully aware that this article’s purpose is to highlight the extremely inaccurate. That said, I know that there are a handful of predictions that proved true. The majority of market participants, who make predictions, are educated people with specialized knowledge of certain geographic regions, asset classes, strategies, etc. This helps illustrate my point. Highly educated and trained individuals are making guesses at the market, with a high degree of variability. Who am I to trust? Who will help me make the right decision for investment success?
The answer: You and your advisor. Enjoy the predictions for what they really are; entertaining reads and conversation starters. Speak to one of our financial planning advisors today, to see if this strategy makes sense for you.
