Lies and Truths #8 -- Information is Toxic

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Here is the next truth. Information is toxic.

Since we usually believe the saying, "information is power"--a very positive thing,--why is #8 so negative?
The nightly news, daily stock market shows, and cable new (think about the scrolling market info on some channels) focus on variability. This is to get your attention.  They bombard you with the equivalent of "noise," short-term data, and statistics that are mostly useless. Paying attention to the short-term market fluctuations and newspaper headlines will completely disintegrate your peace of mind and ultimately your portfolio.