Be smart and invest where the money is being made with US companies selling overseas on a weaker and weaker dollar. Sadly, it doesn't help the domestic economy that much and the rise in salaries actually means nothing if the weaker dollar causing inflation in things you really need like housing, medical expenses, gas, and food. Keep your eye on bond yields and the dollar. That is the key that is driving things and its making more than me nervous now. It's making the market nervous.

The VIX shows signs of life again. Some of us were wondering about it.

It's a bit amazing that the market didn't realize there is a cost to stimulating an already stimulated market and extending an already extended market. Apparently the dollar's drop that I have been mentioning is affecting the market in that people see inflation and bond yields are rising. Of course, weak trade wars aren't helping the global economy as well and are hurting an already weak dollar.

Strangely the market isn't really correcting that perfectly and we are seeing dumping of already weak stocks as much or more than dumping of favored stocks. I think we will know the final downturn of this route when we see the unfavorable stocks rise and the rest of the market drop. So far I just see across the board dumping which is as disturbing as the recent across the board buying. Sometimes I feel that I am looking for signs of intelligent investing in this market like astronomers look for signs of life in space. Welcome to the manipulated market dominated by mutual funds and indexes. Hmmm....

It's nice to hear about winners in a down day. It goes to show, that there are always the few players that don't necessarily follow the market beat. Keep a close eye for good buys and congrats to those that fish for them.

There are differing types of growth and value stocks.

In general, many value stocks are overly risky especially the ones that pursued increased dividends at the cost of increased debt. If the dividends aren't sustainable there will be a sharp stock decline when the dividend is cut. Other value stocks, especially the ones that were left behind in the rush to cash in on the market run are still pretty decent. It may be time to look at the laggards, especially ones that will benefit from higher rates.

Likewise, many growth stocks are overvalued, however, some growth stocks are in industries that will still grow even in market weakness and change the world. Selectivity is now important and sadly most funds are clearly not that selective anymore. The main growth stocks to stay away from are housing market stocks which, if the market swoons will face not only decreased pricing and rents but the asset will also drop which could make their losses more extreme than others.

It was the real estate market that transformed the last downturn into a nasty one and may yet do the same in the next downturn. You know the saying, fool me twice shame on me. Beware and be attentive during volatility.

Once again all those rushing for riskier yield are getting pummeled, especially in 3rd world foreign investments that brokers have been pushing. We will see if the downturn continues. This will have to do with Treasury auctions and the dollar. If the dollar falls and treasury auctions push up yields we are probably looking at another leg down. Otherwise, I think things will begin to stabilize unless a trade war erupts or if the government shuts down again but with no clear solution to reopen.

The tax cut without cuts in spending are already hurting, especially since Democrats and Republicans are both fighting for more spending on top of the stimulus (that's what it is).

The dollar is news. The weak dollar is leading to less treasury demand and has contributed to higher oil prices. It is true exports go up with a weak dollar. That is why big cap stocks are still doing well. The issue is the effects of the weak dollar which could get worse if it continues to fall.

I agree with the author that it hasn't had much effect yet, but that doesn't mean that it won't.

I suppose they are coming to their senses and realize that QE causes worse things than it solves long term. I don't think its about trying to push the Euro up or down more than his realization he doesn't want the Euro to get any further down the road to an economic nightmare with QE.

There will be solutions, although a bit artificial, contrived, or enforced. We already see solutions although they are not beautiful and takes away some of the benefits to its freedom.

Many people don't sell covered calls because the tax liability for execution of them can be very high. Check with your accountant or tax person before selling covered calls on stocks you have a lot of capital gains in already.