Why This Bear?

People are constantly asking me why is the stock market going down. What is causing this bear market? It is relatively simple so don't ask an economist. He will give you a 200-page answer that is undecipherable. Can you understand Mr. Greenspan?

Let's first realize what it is that makes a stock price go up. The basic reason is that the investor thinks that the company will make a larger profit and pay a good dividend - one that is better than it is now doing. People buy in anticipation of better earnings. Really, it is that simple.

Conversely, when a stock starts down investors think the company can no longer sustain its sales and earnings and that the current price is too high so it is sold. Every other reason you hear is hype, smoke and mirrors. Last year we saw more than 1,000 stocks on the Nasdaq exchange lose more than 90% of their value. Many of those stocks have lost even more this year and scores of them are either out of business or been merged into other companies. Their anticipated sales and earnings never showed up.

When a large section of the market is adversely affected with shrinking sales that action many times begins to slip over into other sectors. Last year it was the technology group as a whole that suffered the most. This year it will be almost all the New York Stock Exchange stocks. We have just witnessed the biggest point loss in one week in NYSE history. In the long run it is going to go much lower after its rally.

The market was already headed down before the World Trade Center tragedy and this single act triggered a great amount of emotional selling. The bear market, which has been with us for about a year, would have gone down to the September 21, 2001 lows anyway even if the New York disaster had not occurred.

One thing investors do not like is uncertainty. People want their money to be safe so they will sell some of what they have and will not buy. Those with 401Ks can transfer to money markets. It has become very evident that almost every type of business with a few exceptions will have less sales and shrinking profits. It is not a time to buy. The talking heads on TV are telling you that you can't afford to be out of the market. Oh, yes you can. The best place for the next several months is in a nice safe Money Market fund or some type of short-term bond no-load mutual fund.

Until the market uncertainty goes away and profits start improving for a majority of companies it is best to maintain a cash position. That may not be until the middle of next year. In the meantime cash is king. Don't let anyone talk you into buying anything. The bear is still loose. Don't let him gobble up your investments.

Al Thomas' book, "If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It!" has helped thousands of people make money and keep their profits with his simple 2-step method. Read the first chapter at http://www.mutualfundmagic.com and discover why he's the man that Wall Street does not want you to know.

Batchtown Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

A virtual private network can help ensure your information remains security and your privacy remains intact. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Artificial intelligence-based cameras are giving air defense operators unprecedented capabilities in monitoring and protecting airspace.

Apple's iOS 18.1 Inactivity Reboot automatically reboots your iPhone if it hasn't been used or unlocked for more than three days, providing better data protection.

An inventor designed rooftop solar panels for a Tesla that draws solar energy while the car is parked, adding travel mileage without plugging in.

There are currently no laws governing what artificial intelligence can and cannot do with the information it gathers; here are 10 things to avoid telling AI chatbots to keep yourself safe.

A credit union with over 240,000 members recently revealed it was targeted by cybercriminals, resulting in a data breach that was part of a two-month attack by hackers.

Scammers have become skilled at creating convincing fake websites that can easily fool unsuspecting users. The CyberGuy offers tips to protect yourself.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

CAPTCHAs, which are used by websites to confirm whether users are people or bots, are harmless, but hackers are using them to infect PCs with malware.

Hackers recently leaked personal information of about 500,000 Americans and stole patient medical records that included lab results and insurance details.

The holiday season sees a rise in mobile shopping scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to stay safe.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a VPN enhances online banking security by encrypting data and protecting privacy.

Beware of these six sneaky holiday scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives you tips to avoid falling victim.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to securely back up and factory reset your Android to protect your privacy and data.

Artificial intelligence is making life easier for cybercriminals, allowing them to create elaborate scams to trick people. Kurt the Cyberguy explains how to protect yourself.

Cut through all the digital clutter and delete multiple emails from your Android simultaneously. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how it's done.

Tips to prevent your holiday decorations from being stolen

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson lays out the immediate steps you should take if your phone has been hacked and your personal information becomes vulnerable.

Fraudsters are sending people bogus invoices through PayPal as part of a sneaky scam that is going around; here's how to protect yourself from being fooled.

A former Colgate-Palmolive employee was shocked to discover $750,000 had been drained from her 401(k) account. "CyberGuy" offers tips on how to prevent identity theft.

Electric vehicle maker Harbinger recently showed its electric delivery truck can handle icy roads with agility and stability in winter.

To make the busiest time of year more manageable, here are some tricks for tracking your packages, taking quality family photos and curating the perfect Christmas playlist.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to keep your online Amazon gift purchases a secret from loved ones or friends this holiday season.

Why This Bear?

Stocks & Mutual Fund