When markets correct sharply, where are you looking? This question assumes special significance as the indices are down 10%+ from this year’s highs. And the lows don’t seem imminently near.
Effectively, we are now in a market where everybody has overplayed their hand. And, when you have overplayed your hand, the day will come when you simply can’t deal. There will be no money left to buy equities. That’s a simple rule of market trade.
We are yet to reach that point in this correction. But, it is almost certain that that point will be hit and even breached. When a breach happens, the pain will be unbearable. Selling will become overdone. The consequences of such breaches will be upon us for an extended period of time. While we warn of such impending pain, it is important to understand that there is a very big opportunity that’s before us.
It is coming at us. Slowly, it will build up and grow. We must learn how to play an opportunity as it grows right in front of our eyes. We must also play it carefully so we are in a position to deal with every opportunity when it presents itself. We should not become helpless spectators on that day when the markets are most irrational. We must keep our hand ready, prepared and willing to deal.
One fine day is waiting to come at us.
“Investment defense requires thoughtful diversification, limits on the overall riskiness borne, and a general tilt toward safety.”– Howard Marks