    So what’s going on with the market? Hard to argue with moving up, but it’s also hard to argue for putting more money in right now. Some pundits have said hedge funds are responsible for the increases in the new quarter or more retail investors getting in, global liquidity… who knows. And the dollar at a 26 year low to the British pound? Even the Yen is up. I don’t know how that all ties in with the U.S. equity market, but I’m sticking with my core value and dividend approach, and glad to have a little cash on the sidelines through summer. I would really like an opportunity to put some of that to work, but as the saying goes- “Be careful what you wish for.” We’re going to have a pullback sooner or later… not just a few days down, but a real heart-wrencher. When that happens I would like to have some money strategically positioned… Oh. Isn’t that “timing the market”? Yes, it is. But it’s part of my value approach. I keep a short-list of companies I would like to invest in, and if their stock prices are attractive enough, then that’s good enough for me.Â
    But that’s not a primary strategy for me- I don’t have enough money to do that significantly for a few key investments in the market. So I try to save… and invest regularly into funds as well. Dollar cost averaging. Not exciting by any means, but it has been reliable. Hey, it’s a lot more fun to hunt and peck, and invest in stocks that look attractive. But that also takes a lot of work to get right, and to stay on top of the game. But there’s a few companies I do like right now. Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) is one… pretty good price and dividend yield right now. Consumer goods and some exposure to the health/pharmaceutical sectors. JNJ is a pretty dull investment for most people however, and has been a laggard for several years, up and down, but all the while paying those dividends. Don’t expect any quick gains, but for me it works as a long-term holding.Â
    Staying consistent and broadly diversified also works. Loading up the 401(k) for matching, and putting money in the Roth works even better.  I’m glad the market is doing so well, and that performance has been pretty darn good overall this year. Just like this morning as I awoke with the sun… a gentle breeze blowing through the trees, mild temperatures… a lovely day. The kind of morning I’ll remember when I’m shoveling the snow off the driveway this winter.
Full Disclosure: Long JNJ at the time of writing.
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