Vanguard is my second favorite group of index funds. Look into the ifa website though, it’s quite an education.

Realist is the proper term. There is no emotion attached to it and at this point in time, I think you have to be acutely aware of as many markets as possible, because they all impact one another in so many different ways. I never try to understand where they are going, just where they are now. I am more of a trend follower ala the sage advice of “Ride the horse in the direction that it’s going.”

The derivatives market is very scary because no one has a clear handle on it and the MBS arena is so deep and convoluted it’s impossible to predict with any precision if it will implode. Until things tone down I’m simply laying low until I get an investment idea that sends a clear message that the time is now — then I’ll back up the truck and unload the cash. Patience is a very important virtue as is action (when the time is right).

Like all of the others who post on this site, you are an intelligent and caring person who doesn’t want to see others get hurt by the demise of this market. Some will listen and prepare for the enevitable, others won’t (or can’t) respond to the danger that is looming on the horizon and they will be hurt. All you can do it continue to tell the truth as you see it and share your ideas and knowledge with others.

Keeping the dialogue going is what keeps us all safe and I thank Rich Toscano for being courageous enough (early on) to show the folly of this real estate market and to create a venue for all of us to share our perspectives and information with one another.