Ask Doc When investors see uncertainty in the economy and market, they have a typical playbook... They rush to safe havens. This usually includes bonds, gold, and utility and consumer-staples stocks.
Folks want to be in utilities because many of these stocks (typically companies supplying electricity, gas, or water) are highly regulated natural monopolies... and their underlying businesses aren't impacted much by an economic downturn.
We see this with consumer staples, too. Folks don't stop buying toothpaste and toilet paper when times are tough. Consumer staples also tend to have higher dividend yields, and that provides even more safety for investors.
With so many question marks about the future of our economy, we've seen a mad dash to gold, utilities, and consumer staples over the past six months. Take a look...
Whether this run toward safe havens will continue now depends on how the economy performs in the coming months. Some investors seem more optimistic that conditions will improve since the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.5 percentage points last week. But I'm not convinced we're headed for a big turnaround.
If we do see more signs of slowing growth, folks will keep streaming into safe assets.
And despite some recent good news, worrying signs remain. I'm not the only one who thinks so. My friend Marc Chaikin of our corporate affiliate Chaikin Analytics says the markets are headed for a major shift...
Marc's award-winning stock-picking system, which he developed while working for 50 years on Wall Street, has a proven track record of avoiding huge losses. It flashed "bearish" sell warnings on some of the greatest casualties last year, including:
- First Republic Bank before it crashed 80%...
- Silvergate Capital before it crashed 99%...
- And Silicon Valley Bank, before it went all the way to zero for a 100% wipeout.
In the aftermath of 2008, every investor in America promised themselves they'd be smarter next time. That they'd act faster...
That they'd see the signs – and have a plan in place to protect themselves.
If you made yourself this same promise, Marc's presentation is for you.
Today, his system shows we could be headed for a brutal reckoning. So you can see why I encourage you to take a few minutes today and see Marc's new warning for yourself.
And he shares another way to position yourself beyond the basics of utilities, consumer staples, and gold.
Let's dig into the Q&A... As always, keep sending your comments, questions, and topic suggestions to [email protected]. My team and I really do read every e-mail.
Q: Thank you for the great article on the benefits of flossing. I've heard it for years, but not with so many clinical studies being referenced. My question is in regards to the use of a pulsatile irrigation (Waterpik) type device instead of flossing. Are you aware of any studies comparing the efficacy of the two different options? – E.H.
A: You're welcome, E.H., and thank you for writing in.
In case you're not familiar with these devices, Waterpik invented the water flosser – which sprays pulses of water at your teeth to dislodge plaque – in 1962. The short answer is that they're effective but may not be necessary for everyone.
A systematic review from January analyzing seven studies concluded that water flossers removed more plaque than manual floss.
Waterpiks do have clear advantages for some folks. If you have arthritis or other mobility and dexterity issues, you might find it easier to use a water flosser versus a regular old spool of dental floss.
The same goes for folks who have, say, bridges, crowns, or implants – such dental work can make manual flossing more time consuming. A small February study of 40 folks with implants associated water flossing with less bleeding than regular flossing. (Bleeding is a common sign of inflammation around an implant.)
Folks wrestling with gum disease might appreciate the water flosser's ability to really get down into the "pockets" between your gums and teeth. Plus, if your teeth are close together, a Waterpik might be easier to use.
The downside is that water flossers and their replacement nozzles can be pricey. Also, a 2022 study found that failing to keep the water reservoir clean will often permanently contaminate the device with a driver of tooth decay called Streptococcus mutans.
Whichever flosser you pick, I recommend using it before you brush rather than after. Flossing can loosen up tough plaque for easier removal with your toothbrush. I like to floss, rinse my mouth, and then brush my teeth.
If I'm on the go, I also try to keep some floss on me to tackle a stubborn piece of spinach or raspberry seed lingering after lunch.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? A recession might be closer than you think.
- Something different: Beware of using AI-generated recipes.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
September 27, 2024