Then we aren't really in disagreement, I misread what Cramer was saying.

>Bob, I agree with your comments about downside risks, panic selling, capitulation sell-offs, and the opportuinites for those in cash to take in the future. Your advice is pretty much in line with my own thinking. Markets will rise and fall, economies go up and down. I agree with all that.
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>What I disagree with was this person saying that if you are invested in the market now, but do not need your money in the next 5 years, that you should leave it in the market. It implies that this person can foretell the future and the advice makes no sense. Leaving money in the market or taking it out should be determined by where the money will earn the best return that it can. Alternative investment vehicles can range from investing in myself (own business, self-education) to property to gold to holding cash, coins, art, who knows what. One must make an educated guess as to where ones money can find the best returns and diversify across asset classes.
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>>I agree somewhat, it is advice for the masses (less sophisticated investors). There are always opportunities for those willing to take risks including shorting or ETF's which allow you to play the downside. But my money market account is still around 4%, why risk it when the market is obviously being manipulated bigtime. The bottom won't be V shaped, there will be plenty of opportunity later.
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>>Since nobody ever knows the future of the market, all investment advice is speculation, even mine. But, I see a whole lot more downside risk than potential gains for the near term, but if you have some good ideas, let's hear them.
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>>Bob
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>>>It is insane advice. If I know the market will tank for the next 5 years I need to sell out now (whether I need the cash now or not) and find another investment vehicle for my funds. Secondly, it is unfounded advice because it implies that the person giving the advice knows the future of the next 5 years.
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>>>If the market tanks for the next 5 years there will be better investment options than just sitting it out, not least of which would be that anyone with the ability to know the next 5 years must also, presumable, be able to call the bottom of the market during that time and hence time their re-entry into the market at the most opportune time. It is just sensational journalism.
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>>>>Um...Good advice
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>>>>>>This morning on the Today show, CNBC's Jim Cramer said if you need cash in the next 5 years to pull it out of the stock market. If you can wait until after then, keep it in the market. He's predicting a 20% decline in the DOW.
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>>>>>A 5 year forecast? Laughable. If you know the market is going to tank, and stay tanked for the next 5 years, why the heck would I leave my money in it? What sort of "investment" advice is that?