Investing: Don’t try to time the market, BUT if you do…
Posted By RichC on November 3, 2014
Most financial experts emphasis not to “time the market” when investing, but it is difficult to resist researching and compiling statistics? Well, I’m guilty and have used a few when routinely adding investments to 
a retirement portfolio, particularly when buying the broad market.
In the 1990s when trading futures somewhat regularly (not comfortably or particularly successfully), I kept a pencil drawn chart in my Franklin Day Planner as a historical and “statistical” reminder that several months were better BUY months than others. A few things have changed since then and figured it was time for an update.
What it means “to me” is that when buying and selling the S&P 500 contract or an ETF, making BUYS statistically are better March, April, July, October, November and December … with SELLS in May, June, August and September – remember though, experts advise against timing as an investment plan.
Paul A. Merriman (financial educator and best selling author):
First, I know a lot about market timing, which I’ve been using and teaching for 30 years. Second, in theory market timing is brilliant. Third, in practice it just doesn’t work successfully for most investors.
Below is my current Excel Spreadsheet “reminder” chart … use it at your own peril.
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