When the markets are relatively stable with no crisis on the horizon, whatever is the financial media to do? It comes up with headlines like: “It’s Getting Scarily Quiet in the Stock Market” and “The Stock Market Is Quiet. Too Quiet”.
Even when the stock market is humming along nicely (as it was in August), there’s still pressure to act – often in a way that’s contrary to your best interests. Although the fear of losing what you already have is real, successful investing requires discipline in good times and in bad times.
Over-optimism in a rising market can be as dangerous as unfounded over-pessimism in a market decline. It’s all about keeping discipline over your emotions.
