In recent years, the phrase “Don’t Fight the Fed” has become a commonly used axiom among investors. The idea is that when the Federal Reserve is easing monetary policy, it’s best to buy stocks and “go with the flow”, while tightening monetary policy means it’s time to sell. However, legendary investor Ken Fisher has long been a vocal critic of this maxim. In this blog post, we will delve into why Fisher believes “Don’t Fight the Fed” is flawed advice, and explore some of the alternative strategies he recommends for successful investing. So, if you’re someone who has always followed the “Don’t Fight the Fed” mantra, this article might just change the way you think about investing.
Introduction
In the world of finance, the saying “Don’t Fight the Fed” has been around for decades. It implies that investors should avoid going against the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies. However, Ken Fisher, the founder, and executive chairman of Fisher Investments, does not agree with this sentiment.
Ken Fisher believes that investors shouldn’t blindly follow the Fed and its policies. Instead, investors should evaluate market conditions and make decisions based on their own research and analysis. In this article, we’ll explore why Ken Fisher debunks the concept of “Don’t Fight the Fed.”
Why Fighting the Fed Can Be Beneficial
While “Don’t Fight the Fed” may seem like sound advice, following this adage can actually limit an investor’s upside potential. When investors blindly follow the Fed, they may miss out on opportunities to profit from market conditions that go against the monetary policies of the Fed.
For example, during periods of low-interest rates, the Fed’s policies might lead to investors seeking out riskier investments for higher returns. By investing against the norm, they could actually profit from a market that many others are avoiding. This strategy could help investors generate higher returns over time.
Evaluating Market Conditions
Investing in securities involves risks. Ken Fisher believes that investors should always consider these risks when evaluating whether or not to invest in a particular market or security. Additionally, investors should consider market conditions before investing.
For instance, investors should consider fluctuations in foreign currency when investing in foreign stock markets. Ken Fisher believes that it’s essential to evaluate these market risks before making any investment decisions. Evaluating market conditions goes beyond just following the Fed’s policies blindly.
Past Performance Is Not a Guarantee of Future Returns
It’s crucial to note that past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. The market can be unpredictable, and even the most successful investors can experience losses. Ken Fisher believes that investors must always be prepared for market fluctuations and potential losses.
Investors should always remember that investing involves risks. It’s essential to diversify investments, keep a long-term view, and research and analyze markets thoroughly before making any investment decisions.
Fisher Investments’ Approach to Investing
At Fisher Investments, the approach to investing is unique. The firm’s investment philosophy is grounded in the idea that capital markets are efficient, which means that prices reflect all available information at any given time.
Fisher Investments’ investment process is designed to identify market opportunities that others may have overlooked. By analyzing broad market trends and sectors, the firm seeks to identify underpriced securities with strong growth potential.
Following Ken Fisher and Fisher Investments
Ken Fisher and Fisher Investments share their thoughts on the markets through several mediums. The firm can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. For those interested in following Ken Fisher personally, he can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Conclusion
While it may seem like common sense to follow the Federal Reserve’s policies when investing, Ken Fisher and Fisher Investments don’t agree with that sentiment. Instead, Fisher Investments believes that investors should evaluate market conditions and understand the risks involved in investing before making any decisions.
Investing always involves risks, and past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. By keeping a long-term view, diversifying investments, and evaluating market conditions, investors can generate high returns over time. So, next time someone tells you not to fight the Fed, remember that following this adage blindly may not always be the best investment approach.