There are so many great moments in advertising. One of my favorites of all time is the 1970’s ad for Heinz Ketchup (HNZ). The simple image of a bottle reluctantly releasing its goods, combined with a catchy tune made for a marketing campaign, resonates to this day. I suspect many of you are humming the tune now as you read this.

Anticipation, it’s making me wait…

Just like the Heinz commercial, we’re all waiting with anticipation with regard to the stock market. In fact, we are so close to a bottom with respect to the current stock market malaise (see, "Where Oh Where Is the Bottom?") Capitulation is a good word for it, and we are going through that process now. Investors preparing for the rebound today will be rewarded handsomely.

Now Is the Time to Buy

I apologize if I may seem cavalier in the face of extreme anxiety in the markets.  No doubt times are tough, but when times are tough, the tough get going!

Frankly, many investors should have been prepared for what has transpired.  The playbook at the end of a business cycle is fairly clear. Get defensive, buy commodities and sit back, and wait for the next cycle to begin. (By the way, if you are looking for ways to cash-in on the commodity gold rush, download a free copy of “Commodities: Your Free Guide to Profiting Smartly”)

When we have enough decimation in the market, we can start buying selective stocks or sectors that have been crushed as a result of slowing growth, recession and inflation. Astute investors are buyers at these moments when things seem to be at their worst.

Battered Banks Are a Good Bet

Take a look at the battered banking sector.  I recently mentioned this group as a place to find value in, “The Doctor is in: Your Midyear Portfolio Checkup.” Those bargains are getting better by the day! And I couldn’t be more pleased.  One sign that I really like to see is insiders—like chairmen and CEOs—buying their stock.

One manager who has done very well buying and selling his stock is...