Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
With market conditions like they are though, you have to be prepared to get out at any moment. There are so many known but manageable variables that could take the market down just like in 2008. Europe, Iran, our banking system, a stupid bet by a big bank (Kyle Bass anyone).
I'm not really one to try to time the market. You can save a large loss by getting out before a fall, but at the same time, you might also miss a big rally if you're already out. You nearly have as much of a chance of missing a rally as you do of saving a loss. I have a limited amount of time to spend on watching the market, but I'm sure that those who have more time than I do can lessen their risk. For long-term investing without applying a ton of time to it, keeping your stuff in the market, collecting dividends, and staying the course seems to provide the best pay-off. I have smaller amounts of money that I "play" with...half for fun and half for the educational value.
AGNC has been an excellent dividend-paying stock. It was close to 20% when I bought it back in December, but it's down to about 14% right now. I don't know how long the environment will be fruitful for mREITs, but even if they eventually have to cut the dividend again, it's still a very healthy kick-off for those looking for a buy-it-and-hold-it equity.