Here's how poorly the market is acting right now, and how I'm approaching it.
Sometimes, sitting on the sidelines and waiting for a better moment can be the best -- and the most satisfying -- strategy.
The best thing this market has going for it right now is that negativity is extreme, and there is liquidation taking place.
Despite oversold conditions, here's what is needed for me to be more optimistic.
An ETF provides one opportunity, as do a few individual stocks.
A producer of small appliances and a maker of fishing, camping and kayaking gear pop up as possible value plays.
Beijing's hand-picked candidate, John Lee, takes over as head of Hong Kong, which continues to bleed emigrants and stock market red ink.
Rather than try to catch falling knives, traders should give a look at Merck, IBM and Procter & Gamble.
The big difference is that the Fed is not in a position to bail out the market this time.
The US may very well escape recession this year, putting it off until early next year. Other global economies may not be so lucky.