Complacency

During the month of January the Dow Jones Industrial Average, usually referred to as the DOW, had an almost 1,000 point range, most of it down and the average investor has yawned and said 'so what, this has happened many times before'.

Is there any reason to worry now?

The terrible event of September 11 shocked investors who sold heavily and then watched the market climb back to where it was on September 10. The investing public as well as many professional money managers now believe that soon this year we will see the DOW move back up for another bull market like we had in 1999. Let's hope they are right, BUT suppose they are wrong. What will happen to the stocks and mutual funds you own now?

What will be the valuation of those equities if the DOW smashes through the 8,000 level and goes even lower? Do you have anything in place that can protect you from such a catastrophe? Is there a solution to that potential disaster?

Yes, there is. And it is very simple.

If you believe that the market is going lower you could sell every stock you own and buy some bonds, but no one knows for sure. If the stocks and mutual funds you own go up you will kick yourself. Here is a sure-fire way to protect your money. Place an open stop-loss order of about 10% under its most recent low price. That way if it goes up you will be able to move the stop up to lock in additional profit and if it goes down you will not take a bigger loss. This is how every professional trader makes money. You allow yourself to take big winners and only small losses.

The biggest problem with doing this is YOU. Huh? Yes, it is the fact that few people want to sell even with a small loss. They prefer to sell with a big loss. I'm not joking.

I know the story all too well. Investors say, "When it goes back up, I'll sell and get out even" Or "It can't go any lower. I'll hold on." How about this one, "How can I sell it now when it has dropped this far?" Folks, things aren't going to get any better. If you had had that stop-loss order in you would have been out at a much higher price. With mutual funds you cannot put in a stop order so you must call in your order when it breaks the price barrier you have set. Do not rely on your broker to do it for you and do NOT let the broker talk you out of it unless, of course, he wants to guarantee in writing that it won't go any lower. And pigs can fly.

You cannot become complacent and believe the great Wall Street lie that the market always comes back. It may, but it might not be before you retire. Only you can protect your money.

Al Thomas' book, "If It Doesn't Go Up, Don't Buy It!" has helped thousands of people make money and keep their profits with his simple 2-step method. Read the first chapter at http://www.mutualfundmagic.com and discover why he's the man that Wall Street does not want you to know.

luxury cleaning services Highland Park ...

In The News:

Flytrex says its AI-powered Rooftop Dock system in Dallas-Fort Worth positions drones at restaurants before orders arrive, cutting delivery costs by 60%.

Samson Sky's Switchblade flying car secures $80 million from Dubai's Matin Group, but the redesigned hybrid-electric aircraft still needs more testing.

The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

CenterPoint Energy confirmed customer data was stolen, while a hacker claims 7.49 million records with partial Social Security numbers were taken.

The $59 Brick device promises to help curb phone addiction, but free iPhone and Android tools may already do the job. Here's what to try first.

Epsilon Data Management's "opportunity seeker" lists helped scammers target millions of older Americans, DOJ court filings reveal in detail.

HBO Max's verified Reddit account was hijacked to push 108 malicious ads using ClickFix, a technique that tricks victims into running dangerous commands.

Flash Shelton reveals how home security cameras and alarm systems can stop squatters before they claim tenant rights in your vacant property.

WIM-Z's AI dog training robot uses on-device processing to detect barking and dispense treats autonomously, with field trials showing up to 83% reduction.

Google's Threat Intelligence Group found PROMPTFLUX malware that uses Gemini to rewrite its own code every hour, raising urgent cybersecurity alarms.

Your VPN may quietly drop protection when switching between airport Wi-Fi and hotel Wi-Fi. Key settings like auto-connect and kill switch help.

A South Carolina caregiver allegedly gained power of attorney over a 75-year-old with Parkinson's, then transferred his home via quitclaim deed for $5.

Joby Aviation flew its eVTOL air taxi into DFW Airport's busy airspace as Texas launches Project Nexus, a three-year advanced air mobility program.

Federal prosecutors say criminals bought sponsored search ads mimicking real banks, capturing over 5,000 login credentials and draining accounts.

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric truck targets 621 miles per charge on a 28,000-mile round-the-world journey through over 30 countries.

A viral video shows roughly a dozen Coco Robotics delivery robots swarming a Chicago sidewalk near Lincoln Park, raising wheelchair access concerns.

NewTree Social founder Maddy O'Connor built a community events app to help people discover local gatherings, wellness events and run clubs nearby.

DoppelCart's 119,000 fake shopping domains steal credit card details at checkout, mimicking over 44,000 real brands with convincing cloned sites.

Hurricane charity scams use data brokers and people search sites to target victims before storms even hit, exploiting personal information..

The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Autonomous race cars hit Laguna Seca and Imola Circuit at speeds topping 157 mph, but the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League faces a fan problem.

A LinkedIn romance scam cost Gaby close to $1 million after a scammer returned her first payment to build trust, then escalated requests over two years.

Safari's Notify Me can monitor websites for price changes and restocks, while new AI photo tools let you reframe and extend shots in iOS 27.

FLHSMV traced the Florida DMV breach to credentials from a Plant City Police Department user, but ShinyHunters claims over 200,000 driver records.

Tesla's Cybercab launched in Austin with no steering wheel or pedals, but hidden details about age limits and missing safety features may shock riders.

Complacency

Stocks & Mutual Fund