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Capitulation vs. Apathy

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Feb 23, 2009 11:38 pm

So, is the true sign of a “U” shaped bottom forming an increase in investor apathy?  I was expecting more emotional reaction from my clients that I’m meeting with and calling right now, and most of them are not acting capitulatory (word for the day), but are exhibiting more of an investor ennui.  Maybe Dow 5000, or when they get their Feb. statements will invigorate some capitulatory activity, but not so much right now.

   
Feb 23, 2009 11:52 pm

I think it’s more apathy. The VIX is still relatively low. Grinding lower!

Feb 24, 2009 12:49 am

I never thought I'd be glad to see such client apathy.

Feb 24, 2009 1:04 am

I think pathetic is the key word. JPM was saying some somewhat encouraging stuff after the bell today. I don't think they are going to zero.

Feb 24, 2009 2:14 am

[quote=2wheeledbeemer]So, is the true sign of a “U” shaped bottom forming an increase in investor apathy?  I was expecting more emotional reaction from my clients that I’m meeting with and calling right now, and most of them are not acting capitulatory (word for the day), but are exhibiting more of an investor ennui.  Maybe Dow 5000, or when they get their Feb. statements will invigorate some capitulatory activity, but not so much right now.

   [/quote]   Great word! I had to google that one.
Feb 24, 2009 2:52 am

Sounds like a Japanese poem.

Feb 24, 2009 4:28 pm

They’re numb, paralyzed, and don’t know what to do.  That’s what you’re for.

I’m bearish, if you haven’t guessed.  If you’re bullish that’s fine too.  But by the time they’re done talking with you, they have to know why they’re in the investments they’re in.  They might not be excited about it, and might not even believe it themselves.  But they do have to believe that YOU do.

Feb 24, 2009 5:58 pm

[quote=Bodysurf] They might not be excited about it, and might not even believe it themselves. But they do have to believe that YOU do.

[/quote]



No truer words have been spoken (at least this morning anyway).

Feb 24, 2009 7:50 pm

My clients definitely come away from meetings with me not doubting my commitment to good ideas and a recovery strategy, as I’ve started keeping complete fencing outfits and foils in my office.  I demand that my clients don the gear, as I do, and we then parry back and forth like the dudes in the Payden Funds commercial, as I discuss what’s not working (parry!) and what is working (thrust!).  It makes for great bonding time, and not one of my clients leaves feeling like they don’t know where I stand.  It’s been rough on the office furniture, and one of my elderly female clients “claimed” that she broke her hip during our review last week, but I think she’s just a sore loser.  Hey, portfolio planning isn’t for the faint of heart.