February 2017 –Q:I have been out of the markets with all my money in cash. Is now the time to get in?
A: This is now the most frequent question people ask me. The answer should be based on your own circumstances. If you think money you put into the market can stay there untouched for eight to ten years, then I believe you should consider taking advantage of the current markets. It looks as though things are shaping up for a fairly stable and consistent market over the next several years.
I believe the pro-growth agenda of this administration, along with tax reforms and regulatory reforms, will be good for corporate America and good for jobs. We are likely to see some real fiscal policies that will help shape and stabilize the future of the markets because of a growing economy.
If the money you set aside is money you may need in the short term, then you have little choice but to stay in money market accounts or CDs at your local banks. According to the Federal Reserve, it looks like CD rates could consistently rise in 2017.
____________________ Dan Celia has been in financial management for more than 30 years. He works closely with AFA Foundation and can be heard six days a week on AFR Talk (afr.net).
