If you can follow only one bit of data, follow the earnings - assuming the company in question has earnings. I subscribe to the crusty notion that sooner or later earnings make or break an investment in equities. What the stock price does today, tomorrow, or next week is only a distraction.

In the long run, a portfolio of well chosen stocks and/or equity mutual funds will always outperform a portfolio of bonds or a money-market account. In the long run, a portfolio of poorly chosen stocks won't outperform the money left under the mattress.

Long-term investing has gotten so popular, it's easier to admit you're a crack addict than to admit you're a short-term investor.

You shouldn't just pick a stock - you should do your homework.

Just because you buy a stock and it goes up does not mean you are right. Just because you buy a stock and it goes down does not mean you are wrong.

I like to buy a company any fool can manage because eventually one will.

When you sell in desperation, you always sell cheap.