Aphorisms have been part of the investing landscape forever. This one warns to not confuse dull sloppy trading with a forecast of negative outcomes. As with any heuristic, they are not fool proof, but a guideline that has a history of success and contains some fundamental truth. Some others are:

“This time it’s different; not”

“Buy right and hold tight”

“Things should be as simple as possible, but no simpler”

“It’s not timing the market; it’s time in the market”

All of these have insight and a truth that has worked more than not.

So back to a dull market, don’t read too much into it. There are plenty of times investors simply hesitate, and wait for some economic sign. These are usually short-term traders and when one moves, many do, just like a school of fish.

There is nothing wrong with dull, stay steady my friends.

El Solo Toro