Maybe there should be a class that teaches how to objectively weigh competing and contrasting factors in the decision making process.

Namkato,

If one objectively weighs competing and contrasting factors with a memory of how we got here and who's still in charge, I expect that, rather that being a straight "buy and hold" investor, one might be wise to consider approaching things more from a trader's perspective.

My recent failures have come from assuming that my investments always will continue "going up." My recent successes have come from trading in and out as the market judges some of my positions to have topped out.

If one views the film "margin call," one will quickly realize that markets in general, and certain asset classes or stocks in particular, can "turn on a dime."

By the way, a lot of insiders have been selling lately. That, among other things, indicates that 2nd quarter earnings may not be as easy to come by as some may think.

It makes sense to keep some powder dry if some stocks or other assets go "on sale" in the next little while.