Post & Comment 07.10.19

This is  where I respond with a brief comment to something I've either seen in the news or on line.  
The headline or question I'm addressing is highlighted.

S&P 500 has just passed 3,000. 

Yes it briefly went over that benchmark this morning.  As of now though it's pulled back a bit from that high.  We've broken above a key psychological barrier but only time and price action will give us clues as to whether this is the type of action that sends stocks into the next stages of this advancing bull market.

What about all of the current concerns in the world?  Iran?  N. Korea? China?

There are always concerns.  This rally from 2009 on till today has always had its naysayers.  Focus on long-term economic growth.  I ask myself everyday are things getting better for the economy on a secular trend basis?   As long as that answer is yes then longer term probability still favors stocks.

What are you watching that maybe is under the radar for most investors that you believe deserves some attention?

There's a whole list of things.  The arrest of financier Jeffry Epstein for his connection to the international high rollers of finance, politics and entertainment is one.  All these earthquakes in California are also at the top of my list.  Also, apparently the Russians barely prevented a major nuclear incident on one of their subs last week when it caught fire.   Iran is up to mischief that could accidentally backfire into a shooting match.  Finally the market seems to ebb and flow on trade related data so I'll keep my eyes on that.  Remember that just because I say I'm watching something doesn't mean it's going to turn into a problem for the markets down the road.  A great example of this are the ongoing earthquakes in California.  These could mean the big one is immanently coming for LA or San Francisco or they could mean the big one is coming for these places 30 years from now.  We need to pay attention to things like that and accept the possibility they might occur but you cannot manage assets based on an unknown event that may or may not happen within a certain period of time.

Finally a big shout out to the US Women's soccer team for winning the world cup.  As a former soccer coach to both young boys and young ladies it's been so much fun watching them on the world stage.  Definitely should be paid as much as the men.  Probably should be paid more as they win!

Back Friday.