Christmas Hiatus

I want to wish everyone who has been part of this blog over the past year a very "Merry Christmas."

2008 was not a kind year to investors of all shapes and forms who remained fully invested in this "Bear market." Most equity indexes for 2008 will be down anywhere from 40% to 50%. The S&P 500 is trading at approximately its same level as ten years ago. That really does hurt. And, keep-in-mind that just to get back to the price levels of January 2008, the market has to appreciate by 80% to 100%. However, those of you that heeded the sell signal on January 8, 2008 have been kept out of harm's way. On January 8, 2008, the exponential moving averages (14-Week in relation to the 40-Week) generated a sell signal, whereby investors were suppose to exit all equity investments and redeploy the proceeds to money market investments. For those of you that did execute the strategy, thank your blessings and be generous this Christmas with those that are truly in need.

2009 will probably not be that much better than 2008, especially the first half. However, saying that, I will let the market tell me when the trend changes from bearish to bullish through the exponential moving average strategy.

I intend to post again immediately after the New Year in which I will reflect on 2008, and look at some investment vehicles that could enhance your financial well being for 2009.