[quote=icebear48]

I am running my own firm, and have no intention of retireing.  Every so often I come on here looking for a good broker or two, which I then attempt to hire, unfortunately, you are not such an individual.

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I recently joined this web forum, after passively lurking here for years. The comment you responded to above, is unfortunately a bit more standard here than it should be.

Personally, I'd really like it if you would share some of your thoughts about your experiences from 73 until 1983.  I believe that we are in a very similar market, and our "1983 moment is likely 3-5 yrs out. I'm especially concerned about inflation, rising rates, falling bond prices, and the effect it might have on my practice. I've been in the biz since 1992.

The enviornment from 73 - 83 for me was a trader's market, and with far less volitility than is the case today.  Although a stagnent market in terms of the averages it was possible to make money trading and rotating from sector to sector in those days.  Toward the end of that period the very high intrest rates presented an exceptional opportunity.

Are we 3-5 years from a 1983 moment?  No, I doubt that for a number of reasons:  unbelievable debt levels in all sectors, nearly 500 trillion in outstanding derivatives, an out of control and incompetent regulatory aparatus.  There are too many shoes yet to drop.  Then there is the most incredable political situation in which the United States finds itself.

Just one example, consider the recent SEC proposal concerning restrictions on 12B-1 fees and the possibility of allowing broker dealers to set comissions on some fund share classes.  the implications of this are HUGH if funds are a primary part of one's business.  Yet, I have seen no comments about this on here!

The coming years do indeed represent a great opportunity for those who are smart enough and lean enough to survive, and are willing to WORK.  Call me at 218-681-7344 until 4:00PM CDT and we can discuss further.

You from Duluth??

No, the western side of the state, near Grand Forks.

am suprised Weddle hasn't shut down Canada. That seems fairly obvious to anyone who can understand a balance sheet. Isn't he an accountant? If you haven't made money EVER even in the good economic years, why would that possibly change with all the challenges we face today? Seems to me the only reason to raise minimums in the States isn't because of complaceny as much as trying to continue the growth mode. Something has to give and it looks like its going to fall on the US advisor to increase production or leave Jones (one way or another)

Because it would cost more to disband Canada than the cost it will take to get to break-even.

We've been over this before.