[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-main”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
I don't purport to be Einstein, but a clever wordsmith could connect “relativity” with happenings in the equity markets. However, physics and economics are two different sciences driven by fundamentally different rules, so it’s important to understand “relativity” as it applies to the equities markets.
Economies function in a manner similar to large companies. Hot economic topics today include China’s slowed growth, the strength of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies, oil prices, possible action by the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, aging global demographics and many more challenges and issues.
These are serious and worthwhile considerations, but most of us aren’t concerned that companies like General Electric or Caterpillar – are going out of business. Their earnings may be less and their business models may be challenged in certain areas, but no logical analyst would suggest near-term bankruptcy for these companies.
Stock prices are driven by many variables but ultimately, a stock’s price reflects what people are willing to pay at any given moment. Pundits – including yours truly – attempt to put logic behind a trading day with explanations: “The market was up (or down) today because…” But the only thing we factually know is the price of individual shares. We can discuss price-to-earnings ratios, stock buybacks and new markets, but setting a price that everyone agrees on will never happen. Every share that trades today and on any day is based on willing buyers grabbing shares from willing sellers.
So what should you be looking for in terms of maintaining your mental health during volatile market times? The answer is “relativity”. Let's use golf as an example. You can be a great golfer and have a bad score relative to your normal round, yet still wax your partners. Although you may be frustrated with your personal score, your buddies will still be picking up the tab on the 19 hole.
The same perspective applies to companies and ultimately economies. We live in the greatest country in the world with the U.S. economy accounting for 23% of the world’s GDP! Apple (we are long for the record) produces nearly $50 billion of cash flow annually! Of course the company isn’t going out of business. But is our economy relatively stronger today than it was yesterday? Is Apple's future business going to continue to grow or merely maintain? In short, how is Apple’s performance relative to its game not its competitors’ games?
Comparing the relative strength of your investments to their past performance is a critical part of understanding your nest egg. The question isn't whether or not the U.S. economy is stronger than Brazil’s for instance. That game is over! The question is how either economy will function relative to yesterday. If the price for a stock was $10 yesterday, its value today is based on the trajectory – positive or negative – relative to its future performance.
Relatively speaking, companies, economies and stock markets are very different indeed.
Disclaimer: Do not construe anything written in this post or this blog in its entirety as a recommendation, research, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. Everything in this post is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. I or my affiliates may hold positions in securities mentioned in the blog. Please see my Disclosure page for full disclaimer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-main”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
