Déjà vu? Be Cautious, Patient and Look For Opportunity

We have seen bull markets coming out of a recession continuing into July and August before.

In 1933, markets had a huge rally of more than 100% (doubling) from February, ending on July 17, with an 18% correction following in short order. (See previous blog, Perspective from 1933.)

In 1975, a rally of 53% occurred starting in October 1974, with nearly a 14% correction in August and September.

In 2003, markets rose from March to July by more than 25%, with a small 5% correction.

In all three cases, markets returned to the previous high within 5 months. So in each case, the correction was a “buying opportunity”.

So far this year, we’ve seen a rally of around 50% right up to “options expiration” week in August. The S&P500 closed on 8/21/09 at 1026. A 5% correction (2003 level) would take us to 975. A 14% correction (1975 level) would take the S&P 500 to 882. This is not 1933, 2003 nor 1975, however, I have said before that this market “feels” like the 1970’s.

Nobody can predict the exact timing or extent of market movements, but history does teach us that markets fluctuate and tend to take a “rest” and “correct” after big gains that occur over short periods.

For long term investors already invested, these corrections may not be worth the transaction costs of making big changes, but for those with cash on the sidelines, they present an opportunity.

The recent moves have clearly been the result of cash piling into the market. I wrote in July, “But, when the majority do believe (that the worst is over), the tsunami of cash coming into the market may result in impressive gains.” Impressive indeed! This new cash came in because so many companies “beat analyst’s estimates”. So July and early August will probably be deemed the “relief” rally with greed and fear of missing out overwhelming those that fear loss.

Now the market will begin to ruminate about what earnings will be for the next few quarters. If no bad news comes out, markets may continue to rise. Momentum is important. Keep in mind, we are still 21% below August 28, 2008. We would need another 26% rise to reach that 1300 level. But, many will begin to fret that we have come too far too fast. History teaches us that there will probably (but not certainly) be a “buying opportunity” soon.

This paper is for educational purposes and for the sake of discussion. It is not a sales presentation and not a recommendation. All investing involves significant risk of loss and there is no proven method to eliminate that risk. No investment should be made without a complete due diligence process, fundamental analysis and a discussion with your personal financial advisor.