Robert Shiller published his book, "Irrational Exuberance" in March 2000. The book argued that stocks were overvalued. For those who may have forgotten, March 2000 is also the same exact month that the Nasdaq Composite peaked.
Today, the Dow lost over 400 points. The Nasdaq lost almost a 100. Maybe it is just coincidence, but today I also interviewed Shiller for my MoneyMasters video program. The Dow was down about 140 points when I left my office to go to our studio. After the interview, we went out for lunch. Sam Masucci, CEO of MacroMarkets, joined us. Fortunately, I wasn't aware the sell-off was getting worse; otherwise I might have had indigestion.
Why did the market fall so much today? The simple answer is that there were more sellers than buyers. No one knows for certain why. Perhaps it was the big sell-off in China. Perhaps it was the disappointing durable goods report that came out this morning. Perhaps it was Alan Greenspan's comments about a possible recession by year-end. Or perhaps, investors suddenly decided there really was no good reason for stocks to have rallied in the first place.
Earnings growth is slowing, oil prices are above $60, the housing market is struggling, and the Fed is unlikely to cut rates. Unlikely, that is, unless things get so bad that a rate cut becomes necessary to boost the economy regardless of what that means for inflation.
Although the second edition of "Irrational Exuberance" focuses on overvaluation in the housing market, Shiller told me he still thinks stocks are too expensive. I don't feel comfortable betting against him. My interview with Shiller will be posted on March 8.
