Adrian Mastracci, president of KCM Wealth Management, says, "What this market really needs is a dose of plain old-fashioned earnings for stock prices to move up."

Vancouver, B.C. (April 2, 2002): What will it take to move those sluggish stock prices?

Adrian Mastracci, president & fee-only investment counsel at Vancouver based KCM Wealth Management comments, "I've been asked that question frequently. What this market really needs is a dose of plain old-fashioned earnings for stock prices to move up. Until then, investors need to stand back, take a deep breath and hold."

"Simply put, the markets just don't like uncertainty," says Mastracci.

"However, my advice to nervous investors is not to dump stocks in the wake of market fluctuations, like the ones we've been having," explains Mastracci, "Investors aren't doing their portfolios any favours in the long-term by taking such drastic actions."

"Investors looking to build solid retirement portfolios, the kind that pay off with long-term results, have to take a deep breath at times like this, rather than rushing in to unload," notes Mastracci.

"When it comes to achieving long-term results, patience is more than just a virtue. It's a way of life," explains Mastracci, "If not, you'll always be buffeted by the ups and downs of the markets. No doubt you've noticed this happens frequently over the course of many market cycles."

"Uncertainty may continue from a variety of fronts," remarks Mastracci, "It does not matter whether it's the Middle East, technology, communications, the flagging consumer or some other sectors. We will continue to experience frustrating market movements without clear directions."

"Jumping in and out of the markets is not the way to build a solid portfolio," says Mastracci. "No one can consistently predict the markets. Investors who get caught up in day-to-day peaks and valleys, are in danger of damaging their portfolios. They can also place their financial security at risk with knee-jerk reactions to the markets."

"Investors need to take the long-view. The markets can deliver rewarding results over an extended time horizon," concludes Mastracci, "In the interim, we need to find that stream of earnings."

"Let's be absolutely clear. Earnings, earnings and more earnings are the engines that sustain and raise stock prices," summarizes Mastracci.

NOTE: The information provided above is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute advice for anyone's specific situation. Everyone should always first consult directly with their advisors to determine the appropriateness of any information contained above before taking any action. KCM Wealth Management Inc. assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance upon the above information.