By KOAT Staff Writer Andrew Montero -
With the unmistakable volatility we have seen over the last month or so in the financial markets, I get asked one question over and over again at times like this…as well as throughout the course of the year. What to do with all this volatility? The answer is a multi layered one, because it depends on where you are financially, how close you are to retirement, what kind of income you currently have, and several other factors.
If I were to offer any advice right now….it would be to remain patient but alert, and search for the companies and stocks you have faith will stay relevant. Once you do that, you can look at this recent bearishness as a clearance sale, with some equities at 30, 40, even 50% off their normal trading range price right now. Times like these are when those who seize opportunity can rake in huge profits. Again, there are several factors which only you as an investor can determine prior to making a move. Generally, the further away you are from retirement, the riskier you can afford to be, that’s not to say invest in some penny stock, but perhaps you can look at a company with a couple of years to go before it really gets back to solid footing.
Those of you who are closer to retirement age…or in a position where a large sum of cash will be needed soon….say for your child’s college tuition, will definitely need to avoid any sort of depreciating situation that might take some time for recovery. If you have done well with your portfolio, then you hopefully have some gold or silver you bought at lower prices to counter the current situation, and perhaps that’s where you need to focus now, even as gold is continuing to make many investors shake their heads. Silver is ok too but be cautious how you buy it and the quantities which you purchase as you continue to invest. It is much better with the current trends to buy in several tranches than to go all in right now on anything; and commodities are definitely no exception.
The key to profiting in the current market is patience and proper due diligence. While the markets are causing many to sell on unjustifiable fear at times, there is some serious potential risk out there right now. So long as you do your homework, you have a good opportunity at some juicy potential profits in the short term. Many stocks are trading at ridiculous multiples and prices currently, prices they have no business trading at; yet there they are ripe for the picking. As always, do some good research before you make any investment decision, but if you have some investment capital in hand, there are some interesting potential opportunities out there right now.

