This is a short post in order to address one of several charlatans that inexplicably still get airtime.

Prolific market mis-timer Harry Dent is making the rounds on the internet, yet again calling for an epic end to life as we know it. Like the Stephen King Character “It”, he shows up just after we’ve all begun to forget about his last gaffe to spread fear amongst the investor population. His latest post in the financial times calls for an epic collapse. We won’t link it here, google it if you like.

This hysterical prediction, of course, is nothing new. In fact, acting opposite of his predictions would have been fabulously profitable over the last 20 years.

Check out the publishing date of his last 6 books, along with the market returns afterward:

It’s noteworthy that the lone time he stood bullish over the last 20 years, was promptly before a 40% drop during the dot-com bust.

The internet has provided an incredible platform to spread information and predictions, but accountability comes with it.

Mr. Dent is one of several financial “permabear” charlatans who have been wrong for a long, long time. “Dr. Doom”, aka Noureil Roubini, Jim Rogers, Peter Schiff, Marc Faber, and John Hussman are a few. They’ve had a rough stretches as well.

Here’s the question: if someone sold you 6 incorrect “ Super Bowl Winner” picks… Would you buy a 7th?

And- Why would your investments be any different?