Hey, how 'bout that stock market?

[0-0-0]

I think the baseline 10% tariff is likely the goal given that it applies to countries where the US has current account surpluses with as well. The higher rates were likely announced to anchor expectations and make the 10% tariff appear less objectionable. Even with limited progress in negotiations the 10% tariff sticks around unless congress does something.

 

[Lookinagain]

RMD's do not need to be withdrawn until December 31, 2025 and there were almost 3 months in 2025 to make RMD withdrawals if they were concerned about the tariffs.

There is plenty of time for the markets to bounce back. It always has and most responsible financial advisors would encourage people over the age of 65 to get out of the market. It is after all, a gambling situation and seniors need guaranteed savings insured by the FDIC.

Well some may need the withdrawals to pay bills. And I don’t think all 65-year-olds get out of the market. They may diversify into more stable Investments, but I don’t think they just put all their money in savings accounts.

I also don’t think people anticipated that the tariffs would have been so broadly imposed based on a nonsensical formula but mistakenly thought they’d be more targeted. I don’t think many people expected the chaos in the market that we’re seeing.

 

[LilAlex]

Completely off topic: @LilAlex

Thank you, @glitterata, for the too-kind words. That's certainly how I represent myself on here but I'm sure the truth is different! I do have a great spouse and kids -- and we also have our ups and downs.

How my kids actually view me: Recently while traveling, we were all outside an uber-trendy cosmetics boutique and my son, who is in a new-ish relationship, super-casually asked my wife if he should maybe buy his GF a little something from there or if that could be insulting ("Here, be prettier!"). DD overheard and, recoiling in absolute horror, said, "You're asking Mom for dating advice?! OMG, you should be asking Dad!!"

 

[missy]

For me, getting out of the market last month made sense. For others it made more sense to stay in. This thread has some amazing insights and information.
Today was a great day for the long term investors.

You really don't want to monitor the market day by day, hour by hour. One thing I can guarantee you... It will rise and it will fall and it will be volatile while all this tariff etc stuff plays out. I truly believe long term investors will be just fine and ultimately come out ahead.

The advice given by Buffett, et.al, about time in the market works, timing it does not, are all about stripping away the emotions of fear and greed from trading decisions

100% agree
Stock market volatility is a natural part of long-term investing and opportunities arise when others are fearful.

Hang on if you have the stomach for it and if you don't then get out
You know that quote "if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen"
It applies here

We all do what we feel comfortable doing and in the market one needs to be comfortable with volatility.
Market fluctuations are going to happen and they can be risky but can also provide great rewards.

Focus on long term goals rather than short term gains or losses
Don't panic and don't try to time the market
Stay the course

For those who have the stomach for it (I wanted to use another word but thought better of it lol)
You are right to get out of the market
We all must do what feels best for us.
100% agree with no one size fits all

 

[glitterata]

Thank you, @glitterata, for the too-kind words. That's certainly how I represent myself on here but I'm sure the truth is different! I do have a great spouse and kids -- and we also have our ups and downs.

How my kids actually view me: Recently while traveling, we were all outside an uber-trendy cosmetics boutique and my son, who is in a new-ish relationship, super-casually asked my wife if he should maybe buy his GF a little something from there or if that could be insulting ("Here, be prettier!"). DD overheard and, recoiling in absolute horror, said, "You're asking Mom for dating advice?! OMG, you should be asking Dad!!"

Modest, too!

(That your son is so considerate of his girlfriend and that your kids are happy joking with and about you just confirms my impression that you have a great family and are a great dad. All families have ups and downs.)

 

[Rockdiamond]

You really don't want to monitor the market day by day, hour by hour

Kind of forced to… based on business. The market apparently causes changes in US tariff policy…. By the hour.
I’m still buying and selling diamonds- many from India.
Sellers ( some sellers ) have a “hair trigger” and raise their prices on tariff news.
Market falls…. tariffs pause- but the goods I got an hour ago were marked up to accommodate tariffs.
It’ll make your head spin.

 

[missy]

but the goods I got an hour ago were marked up to accommodate tariffs.

ouch sorry about that. Hope it is worth your while and you got them for a specific buyer

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Billionaires scored their best single day ever, adding 304 billion to their net worth after the pause according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

 

[Rockdiamond]

ouch sorry about that. Hope it is worth your while and you got them for a specific buyer

Actually, I thought we'd pick up a few pieces in advance of the increases.
The seller agreed to sell at the old price if I bought right away.
Then the tariffs were paused. In that case, I'd rather just wait to buy till we need it.
Uncertainty is bad for business. Discourages investment.
That's where we are now.
But the fact remains that tariffs raise cost of goods all of us buy.
Someone is going to pay.
Us.

 

[missy]

Actually, I thought we'd pick up a few pieces in advance of the increases.
The seller agreed to sell at the old price if I bought right away.
Then the tariffs were paused. In that case, I'd rather just wait to buy till we need it.
Uncertainty is bad for business. Discourages investment.
That's where we are now.
But the fact remains that tariffs raise cost of goods all of us buy.
Someone is going to pay.
Us.

Yes uncertainty is challenging and not good for business or investments or peace of mind.
We have no choice but to wait and see how this plays out. None of us can predict what will happen.
All we can do is exercise our right to vote and hope for the best

A wise quote comes to mind...
"We can't control everything that happens to us, but we can control how we respond to things we can't control"