market-timing
UK[ˈmɑːkɪt ˌtaɪmɪŋ]US[ˈmɑːrkɪt ˌtaɪmɪŋ]
n
The practice of trying to predict future movements in financial markets, especially to buy or sell assets at the most advantageous times.
Morpheme Breakdown
market
timing
market
noun
timing
noun
Etymology
The compound noun "market-timing" is a modern financial term that logically combines two established English words. "Market" originates from the Latin mercatus, meaning a trading place, which evolved through Old North French and Middle English to denote the sphere of commercial exchange. "Timing" derives from the Old English tīma (a period, season) combined with the gerund-forming suffix -ing, creating a noun for the action of selecting the precise moment for an act. The term's formation follows a transparent English compounding pattern, where "market" specifies the arena and "timing" describes the strategic activity, directly reflecting the practice of attempting to buy or sell based on predictions of price movements within that arena.
Analysis
Structure: market (noun) + timing (noun)
market: From Latin mercatus (trade, marketplace). Functions as a noun root specifying the domain of activity.
timing: From Old English tīma (time) + the suffix -ing (denoting action or process). Functions as a noun indicating the act of choosing the right moment.
Examples
Successful market-timing is notoriously difficult, even for experienced investors.
The fund manager's strategy relies heavily on aggressive market-timing.
Many financial advisors caution against market-timing and recommend a long-term, buy-and-hold approach.