Start investments now or wait?

Thrugelmir

Bobziz said:

I guess most people that try to time the market get it wrong to some extent, and that time in the market is more important etc, but does this not assume that all crashes are similar? Is what we're experiencing now different ? I.e. predictions about the worst recession in history etc. Does it not make sense to even try and time the market even if you get it wrong ?

Certainly in the US there has been a rush of new trading account openings in recent months. Suggesting an element of Wild West speculation. Only time will tell if this was the case. Gut instinct feels very much like the Dot Com boom all over again. 

ElephantBoy57

I have been reading about the use of QE and how that pushed up markets in the past. I think it quite likely that there will be more QE this year and next.

Thrugelmir

ElephantBoy57 said:

I have been reading about the use of QE and how that pushed up markets in the past. I think it quite likely that there will be more QE this year and next.

How far can you push a piece of string before it snaps? QE addressess none of the fundamental issues. 

[Deleted User]

Thrugelmir said:

Bobziz said:

I guess most people that try to time the market get it wrong to some extent, and that time in the market is more important etc, but does this not assume that all crashes are similar? Is what we're experiencing now different ? I.e. predictions about the worst recession in history etc. Does it not make sense to even try and time the market even if you get it wrong ?

Certainly in the US there has been a rush of new trading account openings in recent months. Suggesting an element of Wild West speculation. Only time will tell if this was the case. Gut instinct feels very much like the Dot Com boom all over again. 

FT had an article yesterday that said the lack of live sports is pushing betting money into stock markets. 

RyanHello

I personally would stay away from the markets at this time. The long term effects of this virus is unknown. What happens if there's a 2nd wave? When do the redundancies happen? Too many unknowns. We may have a better idea what the damage is 3-6 months from now

Swipe

If you are buying and holding, staying out of the markets for 6 months could well be a very costly mistake, where great buying opportunities are missed. My strategy is to continue drip feeding in, increasing my amounts as the market falls and reducing as it rises until volatility subsides.

Albermarle

I personally would stay away from the markets at this time.

I agree with your general sentiment but 'staying away ' can mean many things .

For example if your were already invested 70% equities , does staying away mean reducing that ( maybe drastically)or just not increasing it ?

Or do you mean that whatever your current portfolio is just do not increase the equity content .