Well, I guess that link is no good any more. Hope your browser thawed.

With the upcoming election I have been hearing a lot of speculation about what may or may not happen with our economy. People saying ammo prices will skyrocket to the economy immediately tanking if Trump gets elected. What are some of your opinions about this? Are there any actions people tend to take during election years when it comes to investing that they wouldn't normally take any other years?

I'm curious about this as well.

I obviously could be wrong but from what I've taken from this thread is you can't control the market. Long haul investing and since NOBODY knows what's going to happen I think we should make adjustments based on fundamental changes within our holdings? WELD help us lol

It's good to go now! :D

Jose, I'm not worried one way or the other honestly. I'm looking at what a company is doing, period. I don't have any speculative holdings or holdings that are some how being targeted like coal was when Obama was elected, though. Maybe, if you're into alternative/green energy investments you should be a little more concerned since they are heavily subsidized and that could change. Overall, I'm not concerned with the election.

It has been a while since I have seen this discussed in here and since I'm in the throws of kicking Merrill Edge to the curb, I'm curious what everyone recommends for low cost investment accounts these days?

I'm looking to transfer 2 IRA accounts and 2 Roth IRA accounts to an institution that allows dividend reinvestment with as little to none monthly or transactions costs as possible. Like most of you I don't make that many buy or sell transactions so a small transaction fee won't be a killer...but monthly maintenance and other fees will.

I also would prefer one that plays nice with Quicken for investment tracking. With Merrill Edge for instance, the monthly dividend transactions they pay on the cash balances never download into Quicken correctly and require manual entry. I also manage accounts that use TD Ameritrade for example and they download everything correctly all of the time with no manual entries ever needed.

So... Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Etrade, Scotttrade, or others... Any suggestions?

I've got my Roth at Vanguard and my brokerage account is at Fidelity. Fidelity did handle my 401k but the company moved it. Both have low fees. I'm pleased with both but don't do anything involving Quicken. I do prefer Fidelity's website over Vanguard's for stock research. Luckily, I'm more active on Fidelity so it works out well in that aspect.

I have accounts at Fidelity and Schwab, both have very low fees, good websites and top notch service. Don't know about Quicken though.

I have a Schwab account and a Capital 1 Investor (formerly Sharebuilder) account. Neither have any fees for my brokerage account and my ROTH IRA (which is in Cap1).

Buying shares is a flat rate ($6 or $7), but if you "auto invest" (which happens at close on tuesdays i think) its like $2.

Of those you listed, I think only Scottrade does not have a direct dividend reinvestment program. They do have a modified dividend reinvestment plan that allows you to accumulate your dividends and reinvest commission free. I have been very happy with Schwab. They will negotiate on commissions depending on how much money you are bringing over to them.

Lance --- For me Schwab has the best investing tools. To me it's like the difference between the iPhone and everything else (okay - this gap may have closed in the last couple years but you get the drift)..... I could pick up the iPhone and do EVERYTHING I needed to do without reading a book or being confused...... That's Schwab for me. It's clear - easy to navigate - has ALL of the information I need. Versus let's say my Wells Fargo brokerage account that is so cumbersome and the info on a screen is missing vital "clicks" like Total Return info.... I go to Schwab to see that in two or three click from logging in. BAM! I need that info and sometimes if I want to take advantage of a situation I need that info NOW! So just my .02

I like the Schwab tools too. Get out your buy list, Dow futures are down big!

It could go down harder if it's a total republican sweep of both houses and the Presidency. That gives him much more leverage to actually do some - note the some - of the stuff he's saying he'd like to get done.

Like you -- I have a boatload of cash and will be a buyer of the stupid sellers..... also known as "the weak hands".

I know it's kind of frowned on a bit but I would mind hearing about good buys during what will undoubtedly be weak hand tones the next few days

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm down to looking at Schwab and TD Ameritrade now.

Wierd as this may seem in this day and age, TD actually has the edge currently because they have a local office I can walk into to open the accounts.

I haven't had a relationship at an actual bank for my everyday banking since 1997 but I recently opened several accounts at a local bank 2 miles from my house and the customer service they have provided since has opened my eyes greatly. It's like they WANT my business... ML can't even handle the closing of my accounts without inadequacies...they are horrible in all regards customer service wise.

I too have my buying button warmed up, stretched out, and ready for action this morning.

There's going to be so many buying opportunities going forward! If Trump can get 10% of what he wants to do, done...... then we'll be rebuilding America!

Caterpillar opened 6 bucks higher this morning.

wanted to share if anyone find its useful...

https://www.barchart.com/stocks/high...#/timeFrame=1y

Interesting little tool. Thanks for that!

Todays market was just like the election! Who knew! LOL


I know some of you were thinking maybe you should sell and be out of the market depending on the outcome etc.... I hope you see why that USUALLY doesn't work out the way you think. Some very stupid sellers came in after hours and took the thing down 700 points -- and the market shrugs that off and closes up. SOMEBODY made a very bad bet -- and somebody else (the buyer) KILLED IT! OMG.

LoL. Who knew!

I was bummed that I missed the early morning dip on wednesday. However, some of my choices went down again so I'm looking to make some moves again very soon. I like buying dips.

My guess is -- there'll be lots of opportunities presenting themselves in the future. I'm keeping some powder dry for after January 20th.... when simply saying the wrong thing can move the markets.

When you have a big change like we've just voted in -- there's just no way to game which stocks are going to move in which direction. About the time you think you know - they'll work against you. This is when getting paid a dividend really, really helps.

There's SO MANY large items on the table --- repatriation of overseas capital.... import export bank - trade agreements - infrastructure rebuilding - tax breaks and on and on.

So my advice --- don't get greedy buying the dips -- make sure you know what you're buying -- buy smart but don't gamble. Keep some powder dry - but long term - don't be afraid.

4 new Charles Schwab accounts opened up today, went in to the local branch and had them all done in about 30 minutes. Hope to have the assets fully transferred to them by Friday...

Overall a painless procedure, they seem like very nice people to deal with. Found out the CFP that helped us gets paid a salary, no commission...so there was no push or hype to do anything. Just there to help if needed.

Thanks for the recommendations everyone, can't wait to cut the Merrill Lynch\BankofAmerica ties for good.

Mortgage rates have bumped up .5% since the election. I'm already seeing talk of an inflationary period with Trump at the helm which leads to some questions.

What companies do best with higher than average inflation? Would you buy Gold in the short term? What investments are you looking at if we do enter an inflationary period?

Big questions....... when you know the answers clue us in.

Gold is a safety play. People buy gold when they are fearful.

I have not changed my investing strategy one iota and don't plan to. It's the reason I say to buy great companies vs almost anything else. They'll manage their way.

The FED has been ROOTING for inflation for years. There's nothing wrong with inflation -- as long as it's gradual.

The news is all over the map..... and news moves the markets when there's nothing else going on. In the end -- PROFITS and TOP LINE (sales) Growth are what count.

I'm trying to get a better understanding of the economy and cycles. There are opportunities regardless of the environment. I think we just need to be aware of them.

I found this video about cycles and the economy by Ray Dalio. He's supposed to be one of the sharpest hedge fund operators.

http://www.economicprinciples.org

My portfolio has been interesting to watch the past week, as I'm sure yours has been as well. Looks like to me certain groups sold off their dividend income stocks to raise cash to buy treasuries after the election. I kept my powder dry while watching and now finally today, it appears that the sell off has stopped and dividend income stocks are gaining ground again. Another added plus was the tick up in all of my remaining oil related stocks.

In years past in other investing strategies, moves like this would have spooked me a bit but I wasn't concerned at all now. :)

I'm not concerned about my stock holdings as I'm holding long term. I just feel there are new opportunities for growth outside of stocks in a fearful market or next cycle. While the stocks take a hit, I'd like to try to capitalize on something that thrives in a down cycle.

I'll be researching it and will share if I find some ideas.

"The money is made when the market is most pessimistic."

I don't recall where I saw this, but I think it holds the key.

That will be the most valuable take-away for making you money. Doesn't say that there won't be long periods that will make you sick to your stomach -- but OVERALL -- LONG TERM -- you make money being in versus being out.










Wether you're buying cars, houses, or stocks..... the money is always made on the buy vs the sale. If you bought right - the gain will be far better than if you paid too much.

The problem is knowing (or guessing) when that point is reached.

When we're small time investors -- long term -- it won't make enough difference in our portfolios to change our goal much. When we're looking at PERCENTAGES rather than $$ -- the moves are so small as to be inconsequential at the amounts we're investing in the stock market.

In other words - if someone is buying 400 shares at $20 vs 400 shares at $22..... If they are sitting around waiting for just the right opportunity - they can move to $26 or perhaps they have a 10% sell off and move down to $18. I don't want to bend over to pick up pennies and leave dollars on the ground.

Same boat... I have been here for a few years now... tried rentals... too much stress... tried peer to peer lending... in 3 years my Avg rate of return is 5.4% year over year.. beats a CD or a bank account but I keep looking at some of my holdings saying if I has put that peer to peer money in that one investment 3 years ago I would be way up...

So you learn.. you try things and you diversify.. :G-Dub:

EGG SACK LEE!


Regardless of what you're invested in -- the stuff MOVES AROUND!! Housing isn't always UP -- the market isn't always UP -- rentals aren't always profitable -- commercial can sit empty and require huge TI's (tenant improvements).

Oil has sucked -- okay --- if you BOUGHT oil when it sucked -- you're looking pretty smart right now..... if you bought rentals when the housing market sucked -- you're looking pretty smart right now..... if you bought stocks one or two years ago or even better - FIVE years ago.... you're looking pretty smart right now.

TIME will heal most things investment wise as long as they're not hemorrhaging cash... even better if they CREATE cash along the way.

What's my point? I don't know ---- maybe it's just that if you don't get in a play around ---- you'll NEVER get anywhere. And if you buy the wrong stuff and gamble --- you may never get anywhere. But if you buy good stuff and it pays you a dividend..... you may have a gain one day.


LOL


It's so simple. It truly is.

I get what you guys are saying and agree for the most part as I do have different buckets and timing things is difficult, especially with stocks. I just feel that there are indicators and people do make intelligent predictions and moves based on analysis. I can tell you that's how I've been successful in my real estate investments and business. Staying educated and adaptable.

I guess my point is, where's the best opportunity for growth in the short term.

We are 7 years into an escalating stock market and 5+ years into appreciating real estate in most markets. The tide always changes, I'm trying to figure out the best opportunities in the next cycle when stocks and housing aren't so robust. I suppose it may be a situation where you have to live it. I would think the past would leave clues, however.

I'd guess the reason there's not a lot of responses is...... because who knows?


I just keep doing things the way I've always done them --- when something - whatever that is -- looks to be cheap or beat up and I think I can make money on it IN THE FUTURE -- I'm a buyer.... if I view whatever it is as too expensive right now... then I don't buy. Or perhaps I "trim" and take a loss or a profit... but my BASIC premise of investing doesn't change. Buy good stuff.... that pays you to carry the costs (or almost)... and that you know and understand. Done.

By the way --- nothing goes straight up. They go up - but never in a straight line.


How hard is it to sell some young couple a house if you didn't think that eventually they'd be making a smart decision?? We are all mostly confident that EVENTUALLY our houses should be worth more than we paid. We figure TIME is what will fix that. No different than any other investment. Sure a guy can buy a bad house in a bad neighborhood - or maybe a guy is just a lousy manager etc... I'm speaking in broad general terms.

I found this analysis on how other asset classes performed during the last two bear markets.

I would think Reits will perform better this time around vs. during the real estate collapse 10 years ago.

Absolutely! Even took some profits in my taxable account where it made sense. Whoohoo $$$!!

Of course I'm happy I didn't sell...but I am thinking I wish I would have made my move over to Schwab a bit earlier so I could take advantage of some trades I'd like to make right now.

Hopefully my transfers will be complete tomorrow and I can dig back in. I went to a seminar at Uncle Chucks place Wednesday about the market in election cycles and cycles overall. It was very enlightening, the best part being the demonstration of their StreetSmartEdge app which I downloaded today and am beginning to get used to messing with.

Yeah --- I've been moving some stuff around...... I park cash in JNK -- and I've been lowering that steadily and buying where I have losers (ETP) and re-bought KMI - and some other stuff. Like taking down my whopping 100 shares of AMZN that were bought too high - so I bought 200 more and dropped my cost.







When we moved to Sun Valley -- there is no Schwab office anywhere near.... and while that's not critical - I also lost my bank when Bank of America closed all their branches here. So I moved those two accounts to Wells Fargo..... I thought I might have a coronary while waiting for all that crap to transfer because it was always the Schwab account that I mess with and the one that I can manipulate the earnings potential etc. While I'm no fan of Wells Fargo -- I don't think I can stand another move! LOL