More Fear = More Losses
In less than a week investors have taken on 3 fresh fears that have caused the market to head lower:
• More soft economic data from China
• Increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran
• North Korea bomb testing.
Really there is nothing new about any of these stories. Investors have been worried about China's economy for three years and yet they continue to grow and the world spins on. And truly, when has there not be tensions in the Middle East? And when has North Korea not done some ludicrous sabre rattling?
Above is my rational response to explain away these issues. However, fear is wholly irrational in nature and thus hard to judge how long, or how deep, its affects. Meaning things could get uglier before better.
In time my rational view should become the norm allowing stocks to rise back up given that GDP continues to expand and bond rates are low, which keeps the long term bull market alive.
Best,