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The U.S. stock market’s DOW Industrial average at market close on May 15, 2014.
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The DOW’s close on March 9, 2009.
NATURAL HIGHS? Getting to the bottom of the stock market’s new heights By Craig Sewing hit the ball, run the bases, et cetera. Executing the fundamentals In mid-May, the stock market hit an all-time high. This may seem within your financial plan is also key. like cause for celebration, but let’s examine what’s causing the For starters, having a strong relationship with a quality financial increase before getting too excited. advisor is crucial. If you aren’t certain about yours, I’m happy to The bull market has been on a run since March 9, 2009. Plus, make a personal introduction. (More on how that works at the end it hasn’t seen a significant correction — to the tune of 10 percent of this story.) or more — in longer than typical market averages dictate. So, the An advisor will help you understand that all sound financial question everyone should be asking is: Is the market truly on fire, plans require certain components to that apply to any market, or are we due for a major pull-back? especially an uncertain one. In the absence of a crystal ball, I’ll share my opinion regarding Is your portfolio well diversified? Do you understand the tax the market’s current trajectory. implications of your investments? Do you know how much your The U.S. economy is cyclical, which means swings, even wild investments are being pillaged by fees? ones, are considered normal. The fact that Taxes, fees and other pitfalls can act like we’re still pulling out of a recession produces Craig Sewing hosts a radio show weekdays at 6 p.m. on 1170, KCBQtermites, eating away at your retirement. An more uncertainty. Further compounding AM. His weekly television program, The advisor can ask and answer the important the volatility is political influence, which is American Dream (which airs Saturdays questions, acting like a financial exterminator not only unhealthy for the market, but also at 10 a.m. on Channel 4 San Diego) to eliminate unforeseen risks. (especially for anyone watching the news for features interviews with San Diego’s Don’t confuse automatically pulling money more than five minutes) nauseating. financial and real estate elite. out of a paycheck (and putting into a 401k) These political influences affect the For an introduction to one of with an actual retirement plan. The two are market in much the same way performanceSewing’s partners who will not the same. Saving is a good discipline, enhancing substances affected Major provide a comprehensive but not a real plan, unless you understand League Baseball in the late-’90s. At the time, financial analysis free of charge, please visit exactly what’s happening with your money. pitchers couldn’t throw strikes to the likes craigsewing.com or call of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa without Sewing directly at Most people don’t. fearing they’d knock the cover off the ball. 619.846.9333. These guys were juiced, and so were there My advice is simple: Discuss your record-breaking numbers. Many San Diegans turn to Sewing and his partners for situation — goals, fears, portfolio — with an That peak performance changed when advice. When they’re looking expert. Don’t go it alone. A legitimate advisor the supplements were taken away. An to purchase a home, will analyze your bank and investment unfortunate parallel can be drawn from Sewing’s magazine readers, statements and help you structure a path looking at the stock market. television viewers and radio listeners often rely on the experts forward. Advisors who are part of the San Like McGwire and Sosa, the market introduced in the following pages. Diego network of experts I’ve amassed will has been juiced. It’s had every imaginable often provide this advice for free. They offer stimulus thrown at it, from Harp to Hamp to this service without strings attached. Their hope, of course, is that Talf and beyond. We’re adding words to the dictionary to the advice they provide will create long-lasting, loyal customers stabilize this beast, but still, concepts including “quantitative who refer their friends and family. easing” and “high-frequency trading” continue to confuse So, when we look at the market’s reaching an all-time high, let’s consumers/investors. be happy. Despite the sputtering economy and polarized political Ultimately, there are two economies — the real U.S. economy arena, businesses as a whole are doing well. That’s a good thing. and the one between your own ears, the latter being a hodgeHowever, it’s never about where the market has been or where it podge of noise created by Wall Street lingo, media sensationalism sits now. What’s most important is where it’s headed. and a political spectrum that uses everything as an opportunity to In an October 2008 op-ed published in the New York Times, shut down the other side. billionaire Warren Buffet wrote: “Be fearful when others are greedy, Cutting aside the CRAP — sorry, make that “TARP” and the like and be greedy when others are fearful.” — the things to focus on are what you can control. Whether the The point: All good things can come to an end. Protect yourself. market goes up or down, left or right, the way to win is to ensure Sometimes the best defense is a strong offense, one that can you aren’t screwing up the basics. work even when the market seems to be on steroids. No matter how many steroids a ball player takes, he still has to
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IN THE ‘HOOD: Here comes the fun — from June 7 through July 6, San Diego’s 2014 County Fair becomes THE FAB FAIR, celebrating the 50th anniversary of an era when British culture changed America. Get your Best Pass Ever, just $24 to attend all 24 days of the fair.
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