Wearing gloves to catch falling knives

Catching falling knives is somehow frowned upon by the "experts" in investment field.

It's deemed as a reckless act, as when we catch a physical falling knife, we will likely failin catching it and will end up injured for nothing as we are cut by the sharp edge. 

It is advised to pick up the knife only when ithas fallen flat on the ground to prevent any injury. 

When we translate it to investing, it will mean to only start buying when the prices stop falling and the price is flat or going up. 

In theory, it's perfectly sound. But is it practical? Can we always time the bottom And catch the rallies?

Personally, I do not have the confidence To time the bottom. I did try to catch and call bottoms when I was starting out in investing, more often than not, the ship left without me. 

Technical analysis is supposedly used to catch or time the bottom, However, those who often use tech analysis would likely come to the conclusion that tech analysis is a probability game. It can improve the odds of getting the direction correct, but there's no guarantee. 

Fundamental analysis can gauge the value and viability of the position, but it also can't be used effectively to time markets. 

In view of the limitations, how so do the market "gurus" & "experts" predict the market movement? 

I do believe that many are making educated guesses Based on their experiences, preferences, specialities etc. At the end of day, its still guesswork. See how long did Micheal burry shout that the end is coming. Same goes for Robert kiyosaki. See what's Cathie woods doing. If they are so good, why the markets do not move according to their predictions. 

If the "experts" are also doing guesswork. What do small fries like retail investors do?

To me, I believe in catching falling knives Bywearing gloves Since I can't time the markets.

How so?

Stocks:

1. Every 1-2 days that market trend down, I will Buy more to add to my stock portfolio 

2. Add small quantity per transaction, so that there is sufficient firepower to keep on adding 

Options:

3. alternate between Selling put options instead of buying stocks, so that portfolio margin can be utilised instead of using cash to buy stocks. 

4. Selling OTM put options so that there is buffer of safety 

5. Rolling ITM put options In the event that stock plunge below option strike price. Buy time for the stock to recover or reduce the losses. 

6. Selling call options to reduce the impact of market falls. 

Bear markets are the best time for us to buystocks at great discount. 

Although catching falling knives is in generalbad advice according to the experts, however if we are unable to time the markets successfully, getting our hands bloodied and performing DCA could potentially be better for us in the long run, then to let the ship sail away without us.

well, that's my 2 cents. Invest safe everyone.