Thursday, May 31, 2007

New Dow Jones Industrial Average Record High

The Dow Jones hit a new record high yesterday, and as I write, it's higher for the day today.

Should you be cheering? If you're about to sell some stocks, yes. Otherwise, why bother?

If you're still buying stocks for your retirement, why would you cheer? The amount deducted from your paycheck will buy fewer shares of stock than before. More shares of stock are good.

True, the total market value of the shares of stock you have already bought is higher, and that makes you feel good . . . but so does cocaine, and it's not good for you in the long run.

Ideally, you should want stock prices to remain very low until right before you sell them -- then have them shoot up.

Of course, in real life they go up and down in unpredictable fashion and don't try to please you, me or anyone else.

The first quarter 2007 GNP is the lowest in 4 years. Will that bring the market down? Maybe.

Northwest Airlines emerged from bankruptcy. Will that bring the market up? Maybe.