US Markets

It’s ‘time to be cautious’ on the market, expert Michael Farr says

Closing Bell Exchange: 8-year anniversary of market bottom
VIDEO4:1604:16
Closing Bell Exchange: 8-year anniversary of market bottom

As the market shifts its focus from the Federal Reserve's monetary policy to Congress and fiscal policy, stockholders need to invest very carefully, expert Michael Farr told CNBC on Monday.

"I kind of long for the old days … when we would actually look at earnings and balance sheets and fundamental growth and top-line growth and these sorts of things," the founder and CEO of Farr, Miller & Washington said in an interview with "Closing Bell."

"I wouldn't be too aggressive. … It's a time to be cautious."

The market rally paused Monday after a record-setting performance last week that saw the Dow close above 21,000 for the first time.

Chris Johnson, director of research at JK Investment Group, told "Closing Bell" he'd welcome a pause or a pullback right now amid the growing optimism.

"The last phase of a real long bull market is acceptance and I think that's where we are right now," he said. "The next one to come is optimism. We're not there yet but you need to be cautious right now."

Santoli: No real warning signs of deeper market stress
VIDEO4:2604:26
Santoli: No real warning signs of deeper market stress

However, while some are urging caution on stocks after their record rally, portfolio manager Neil Hennessy thinks investors should be buying.

"There's no euphoria on the upside, there's no hot buying going in. There's plenty of reasonable valuations out there," he said in an interview with "Closing Bell."

"I think this bull market continues to go and there's plenty of good buys."

Hennessy, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at Hennessy Funds, said if corporations get tax cuts, the market will go even higher.

"But right now their profits are at all-time highs and so are cash flows, so you should be buying it," he said.

Hennessy suggests buyers look for high-quality stocks and businesses that will be there for the long term.

Disclaimer