Rambling thoughts on margin, market timing and investing secrets. All wrapped up in a transparent veneer of self indulgence.

I am a market timer. However, I am not stupid enough to think I can time it with any accuracy. I am not arrogant enough to think I can predict the bottom. So I buy. I buy most comfortably on the way down, I am getting slightly better at not buying too early, but only slightly as my WM and IMB buys attest to.

One of my aims for the Fusion Portfolio was to dispel or at least shake the certainty of belief many individuals have in always being 100% invested. Somehow people made a link between not being able to time the markets and being 100% invested when there is no link. I find it as crazy as suggesting beta is a good measure of risk.
The following chart shows the percent invested for the Fusion Portfolio compared to the ASX200 Index. As the index has moved from overvalued to undervalued the fund has …

Margin investing is fraught with danger. Following these ten steps will help you stay safe while playing with fire.

Some random thoughts on investing on margin in response to this thread on TMF.
I use margin and my portfolio waxes and wanes between 50-150% invested, over multiple year time frames. I am currently slightly net cash in my personal accounts.
I don’t think now is a good time to be on margin as there is an above normal risk of it bitting you on the bum. I use margin when the probability of success is high and risk is low. The time I like to use margin is when most people …