Markets Are Reaching a Critical Point

Over the last nine years, we've seen a historic bull market.

But 2018 has seen an uptick in volatility. Over a period of 10 trading days last month, the S&P 500 Index fell more than 7%, a huge move for a major market index.

Right now, you need to add a new skill set to your investing toolbox...

You need to learn how to make money whether stocks go UP or DOWN. It could make or break your retirement portfolio in the coming months.

That's why my colleague Greg Diamond has spent the last year working on a new project... to give you the ability to trade like a hedge-fund manager.

Greg became a Wall Street trader at 22 and was working on a multibillion-dollar account by age 26. After he spent 13 years working for hedge funds and pension funds, he came to Stansberry Research.

And today, you can get access to Greg's hedge-fund-caliber research and his trading strategy that lets you make money no matter where the markets are going.

It follows three rules...

1. Make more money – It can make you five to 10 times higher gains than simply buying shares.

2. Speed – This strategy allows you to make money in a matter of days... faster than you could with an ordinary approach.

3. Precision – Get in during a highly specific time window that's invisible to 99% of other investors... get paid... and get out.

Right now, we're doing something we've never done before...

We're inviting people to "beta test" Greg's trading service.

As a beta tester, you'll be granted access to a project we've been working on for a year, and you'll see firsthand the power of trading like a hedge-fund manager.

Of course, Greg's hedge-fund clients paid fees of $100,000 or more to get access to these sorts of trades.

But folks who sign up for our beta testing will pay nowhere near that. In fact, this beta test is like getting hedge-fund research at a 98.5% discount.

Even better, this strategy is designed for everyday investors. You don't have to have a million-dollar portfolio. You can get by with $25,000 to $50,000 dedicated to this strategy.

However, not everyone can be a beta tester...

You must have the time and patience to follow the trades, and an interest in learning more about what moves the market.

To learn more about this strategy – and how to access the beta test – click here.

Q: I read, last week, that studies now show coffee does not cause dehydration. – G.H.

A: Dehydration is a critical problem for many folks. It takes a toll on your kidneys, raises blood sugar levels, triggers headaches, and more. Dehydration is especially true for older folks. As we age, we lose the ability to feel thirsty... a key indicator for when we need to replenish fluids.

Alcoholic drinks dehydrate you a bit. And dehydration from too much alcohol is one of the leading causes of headaches. The rule of thumb I follow is to drink one glass of water after every glass of wine.

Caffeine also dehydrates you. But remember that coffee also contains a lot of water. So on balance, a cup of coffee is going to hydrate you, not dehydrate you.

Certain medications (like diuretics) and chronic illnesses like diabetes require extra care for hydration, so you'll need to increase your water intake to account for those cases.

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Q: In your report about sweeteners you did not mention xylitol. I understand its glycemic index is very low and that it has properties that are actually good for your teeth. Your thoughts? – J.N.

A: Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols are partially broken-down carbohydrates. They taste sweet, but our small intestine can't absorb them well. That means they generally pass through our bodies without disturbing much. No studies point to increased blood sugar or higher insulin levels, for instance.

However, some folks report diarrhea, nausea, and similar bowel issues when eating large amounts of sugar alcohols. Researchers believe the inability of our intestines to absorb the sugar substitute means it passes through too quickly. That leads to loose stools. And symptoms also depend on individual tolerance.

Make sure to keep foods containing xylitol away from your pets. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause acute liver failure.

Tax Day has passed, which means you might focus on spending your refund. But you're likely feeling some lingering stress, which is contagious and dangerous for your health. That's why this week, research writer Amanda Cuocci explains how to deal with stress. She outlines five simple tips to find tax relief and feel better this spring. Watch it here.

I am not trying to be difficult and I really like your health articles but a bit of warning about that might save someone a dislocated artificial hip according to my doctor. – B.V.

A: Excellent point, B.V. Everyone can benefit from simple exercises like stretching, but there are always precautions to take. If you have an injury, or are recovering from surgery, there will be limitations.

In fact, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. And if you've had a surgery like a hip replacement, work with your physical therapist to come up with a stretching program that is safe and beneficial for you. We recommend checking out an exercise guide like this and bringing it to your therapist to try out.

Keep sending your questions to[email protected].

What We're Reading...

Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,

Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
April 20, 2018