03-17-2014, 04:55 AM
When the market is volatile, individuals are tempted to wait for the “all clear” signal before investing. A look at history suggests this may be a mistake. In an examination of the historical returns of the S&P 500, the positive gains for an entire year are often obtained in a just a matter of weeks. An investor attempting to time the market is playing a dangerous game. If one is just a few days or weeks off in their timing, they can miss out on all of the return opportunity for the year.
Market Timing – A Losing Strategy - Zacks Investment Management
Very useful article with a host of examples.