I too have reflected on the past 6 weeks and wished I had played it differently. The market has changed, and I need to change with it.
My conclusion is that I need to now plan moves in and out of this market in a defensive mode, meaning taking a gain when present, and holding for the next dip to get back in, and not being afraid to hold cash for longer periods of time (weeks, or a month or more).
The previous ~2-3 years, I have been in an assertive mode, meaning staying in the market and reacting to the rare $USHL5 moves below zero to go to cash, and attempting to optimize which fund I am in for marginally higher returns. Staying in cash for shorter periods of time (a week or two tops), and acting with some urgency to get back into the market.
I will be happy if I end up with a net gain/loss of zero for the first quarter of 2018. I am considering the second quarter 2018 to be a fresh start for me.
GLTY
