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    “Since When Has The Fed Known Anything about The Economy?”

    enAugust 06, 2024
    What opportunities can market volatility create for investors?
    How did Jim and Ricky view recent market turmoil?
    Why is paying off high-interest debt beneficial?
    What risks should be considered for bond investments?
    How did Contour Brands demonstrate long-term investment potential?

    Podcast Summary

    • Market volatility opportunitiesMarket volatility can offer investors the chance to buy stocks at lower prices, leading to potential long-term gains and even generational wealth

      Market volatility can present opportunities for savvy investors to buy stocks at lower prices, leading to better long-term outcomes. Jim Gillies and Ricky Mulvey discussed this on Motley Fool Money, reflecting on recent market turmoil caused by currency trading. They argued that investors should embrace market turmoil as it allows them to be net buyers at lower prices, contributing to better retirement funds and potentially generational wealth. Jim and Ricky both shared their own experiences of taking advantage of sales when prices are compelling, just like Jim's wife stocking up on toothpaste during a sale. The overall message is that market volatility can be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat for long-term investors.

    • Market downturns or forest selling periodsBuying stocks with strong fundamentals at discounted prices during market downturns or forest selling periods can lead to substantial capital gains, even if they have recently cut dividends.

      During market downturns or forest selling periods, it can be a wise decision to buy stocks with strong fundamentals at discounted prices, even if they have recently cut dividends. The Contour Brands example illustrates this point. When the company temporarily halted its dividend during the COVID-19 pandemic, ETFs that were mandated to hold dividend-paying stocks were forced to sell their positions, leading to a significant price drop. However, Contour Brands eventually brought the dividend back, and the stock price rebounded, providing investors with substantial capital gains. This situation underscores the importance of focusing on the long-term potential of a company, rather than being swayed solely by short-term developments like dividend cuts.

    • Fed's role in managing economyThe Fed manages economy by setting interest rates, signaling intentions for measured cuts, and acknowledging experts' opinions while considering long-term perspective

      While the economic situation may seem dire with signs of slowing growth and some sectors facing challenges, it's important to remember that the Federal Reserve's role is to manage the economy, including setting interest rates to maintain a healthy economy. The recent calls for emergency rate cuts may seem drastic, but the Fed has already signaled its intention to make small, measured cuts. It's also important to remember that even experts like Professor Jeremy Siegel can make mistakes or express extreme views during times of market volatility. Additionally, earnings reports this week will provide insight into the financial health of companies, which can help inform investment decisions. Overall, while there are certainly challenges facing the economy, it's important to approach investment decisions with a level head and a long-term perspective.

    • Celsius growthCelsius outperforms energy drink category with 20% revenue growth and 60% earnings growth, contributing half of market growth. Stock undervalued with 17.5% annual free cash flow growth needed to justify price, potential buyout by PepsiCo.

      Celsius, a growing energy drink company, reported impressive financial results for the quarter, with revenue growth exceeding 20% and earnings growth over 60%. The company is contributing approximately half of the energy drink category growth year over year, and its partnership with PepsiCo has significantly increased brand awareness. However, the stock is currently undervalued based on projected future growth, and a reverse DCF analysis suggests that Celsius' free cash flow must grow at approximately 17.5% annually for the next decade to justify its current stock price. Despite this high growth rate, it's reasonable to consider a starting position in the stock, especially considering the potential for a buyout by PepsiCo. Overall, Celsius' strong financial performance and increasing brand recognition make it an intriguing growth opportunity.

    • Beverage company growth, acquisition riskDespite potential growth, beverage companies may face acquisition risks from larger corporations. Social Security may provide current retirement income, but future cuts necessitate alternative sources and planning for reduced payments.

      While the guest expressed optimism about the potential growth of the beverage company discussed, he also cautioned that it may be acquired by a larger corporation within the next decade. Social Security was also discussed, with the guest acknowledging that while it's currently a significant source of retirement income, potential cuts to benefits in the future mean that individuals should consider alternative sources and plan for reduced Social Security payments. Additionally, the Range Rover Sport was highlighted for its impressive features and performance.

    • Diversification risk managementEvaluate and rebalance portfolio to reduce concentration risk, consider tax implications of selling underperforming stocks, and maintain long-term perspective on investment strategies.

      Diversification is key in managing investment risk, especially as retirement approaches. The speaker addressed a listener's question about having a significant portion of their portfolio invested in individual stocks of the "Magnificent Seven" companies, in addition to holding these companies through index funds. The speaker suggested evaluating the percentage of portfolio allocated to each company and considering rebalancing to reduce concentration risk. Additionally, for stocks that have underperformed for several years, the speaker recommended considering the tax implications of selling and the potential benefits of continuing to hold or even increasing retirement savings. Overall, the advice emphasized the importance of risk management and taking a long-term perspective on investment strategies.

    • Retirement savings vs debt repaymentDeciding whether to reduce retirement savings to pay off debt faster is less clear-cut, but maintaining a long credit history by keeping old credit cards open can positively impact your credit score, and diversifying bond investments across different categories can help spread out risks

      Paying off debt with a high interest rate, such as 7%, can provide a guaranteed return, and it may also have psychological benefits. However, when it comes to deciding whether to reduce retirement savings to pay off debt faster, the answer is less clear-cut. While it's generally a good idea to keep old credit cards open to maintain a long credit history, having multiple credit cards can also help keep credit utilization low, which can positively impact your credit score. When considering bond investments, it's important to consider the goal for that investment, as different types of bonds have varying risk, reward, and tax characteristics. For example, short-term bonds and investment-grade bonds or Treasuries can be good options for safer investments. Additionally, diversifying bond investments across different categories can help spread out risks.

    • Bond diversificationConsider intermediate-term or total bond market funds focusing on investment-grade bonds for moderate risk diversification. High-yield bonds offer higher yields but come with greater risk and can drop significantly during recessions. Limit junk bond exposure to a few percentage points of your portfolio.

      If you're seeking diversification in your portfolio and are willing to take on a moderate level of risk, consider investing in intermediate-term or total bond market funds that focus on investment-grade bonds. Examples include Dodge and Cox Income, TIAA-CREF Traditional Income, and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF. However, be aware that even investment-grade bonds can experience losses during economic downturns. On the other hand, high-yield bonds, or junk bonds, offer higher yields but come with greater risk. These bonds are sensitive to overall economic conditions and can drop significantly during recessions. For instance, during tough times, high-yield bond funds like Schwab High Yield ETF (SCYB) and iShares Broad USD High-Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) can experience drops of 15% to 25%. Therefore, if your goal is to have a portion of your portfolio that holds up better than stocks during market downturns, stick to short- or intermediate-term bond funds investing in investment-grade corporates or treasuries. If you still want to invest in junk bonds, limit your exposure to no more than a few percentage points of your portfolio. Remember, as always, do your research and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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