Below is a brief explanation of the phases in stock investment to guide you in timing the stock market.
Buying Cheap at the Accumulation Phase
When a market hits bottom, some investors start to sell their holdings fearing a dark future ahead. The result is a drop in stock values consistent with a low demand. But when stock prices are, rest assured that a couple of investors and experienced traders will begin to buy. This defines the accumulation phase. From negatives, buyers who are attracted to low stock prices will gradually pull up the market and it moves from negative to neutral.
Following Suit at the Mark-up Phase
Once the market becomes stable, it begins to look good again. After observing that the market is having higher highs, more people invest in these stocks up until the phase matures. Many will follow suit wanting a piece of what seems to be a good pie. All this movement is leading towards a bubble. The market reaches a climax but soon enough the prices will drop again. In timing the stock market, it is said that what goes up must come down.
Mixed Emotions in the Distribution Phase
The Distribution Phase is characterized by mixed emotions. Investors, uncertain as to how to proceed, may find themselves gripped by fear combined with greed because on occasion the market appears to be taking off again.
The Final Drop at the Mark-Down Phase
The last phase in the cycle is the hardest for those who purchased stocks at the distribution or early mark-down phase. The market is starting to plunge again after having stabilized and risen drastically. Bubbles, which are highs driven solely by investors following upwards trends, won’t be able to sustain prices higher than the actual stock value. At some point, stock prices will go down again until it hits the next phase.
Timing the stock marketmay take years of careful observation and experience. What’s important though is to understand the phases it goes through and be able to identify them as they come. Doing this can lead to great stock market investing returns.