On Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:32:21 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:50:35 -0400, John H.
salmonremovebait@gmaildotcom wrote:

Well yeah, but what do you see in the economy going forward?

No one knows for sure. Long term it always recovers but the timing is
uncertain as is the sector rotation. The keys to investment success
are not really a secret:

1. Good solid companies that have been around a while and pay
dividends.

2. A widely diversified portfolio.

3. A track record of competent management and building shareholder
value.

4. Good value vs assets and future income stream.

Trying to time market tops and bottoms is a risky game. Picking good
companies at a good value is easier. I continue to like the big
integrated oils over the long term as well as some of the exploration
and drilling companies. None of them will double your money in 6
months but you really shouldn't be trying to do that.

You're giving me the standard spiel, and I'm not arguing that. The big
question is whether the next few years will show a gain in the 6% plus
range. If not, then I'm better off without the debt.

I'm not trying to 'time the market' as far as selling high and buying low.
I would be selling because I wanted to sell. As it happens, I'd be selling
when the market is low.

Thanks for the input, Wayne.