What ETF, Stock, and Fund Investors Should Do Now

Bet on quality, dollar-cost average, and don't panic, experts say

By Katy Marquardt

Posted: September 25, 2008

401(k) investors: Suddenly trading out of a long-term strategy is never a good idea. "Be careful about making decisions on what the market did today," says Jeb Graham, a retirement plan consultant at CapTrust Financial Advisors. "The stock market is like a yo-yo." But it pays to double-check to make sure you're well diversified. "If you have too much money in outperforming areas of the market such as small caps and emerging markets, you should be rethinking and bolstering your positions in larger companies," says Altfest. The ability to easily dollar-cost average in a 401(k)—in other words, make regular contributions—is a big advantage of 401(k) plans. That way, you don't have to worry so much about buying high and selling low.

SAVING FOR GRANDCHILDREN COLLEGE TUITION

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO DO THIS?

ROBERTA GABOR of CA @ Oct 07, 2008 15:31:24 PM

Exhange Traded Funds

This might work, also see to the today show

Claudia Ugaz of FL @ Sep 29, 2008 10:22:52 AM

What Investors Should Do

This article provides sound and time tested advice. The sky is not falling despite what you read in various forms of media trying to fill the next update or 30 minutes with hyperbole filled with words like crisis, meltdown, catastrophe, and depression. Responsible people don't panic when less than 5% of mortgages are in default and only 5 to 7 percent of a mutual funds holdings are in trouble. People and institutions who should panic are the ones who were dumb and greedy enough to trade and buy "mortgage backed financial instruments" created by wall street whiz kids that can't even be tracked back to the original mortgage that supports them. Gee, and now the federal government wants to buy them. Smart? Ya think? Bailout is one term being used that is correct. And, the government want to bail out the wrong people.

of @ Sep 26, 2008 06:51:03 AM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Places

Search for the perfect place for you and your family.

Best Careers

Careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.

Car Rankings & Reviews

Make an informed choice when shopping for your next car.

advertisement

Slide Shows

10 Hard-Hit Housing Markets Ready to Rebound

Even with home prices still falling at the national level, a number of markets are gearing up for a rebound.

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!