As we turn the page on 2022 and look towards 2023, what will 2023 have in store for the comic book investing market? Any experienced stock investor will tell you to never time the market. Instead, if you have the money, keep investing during this buyer's market and ensure you don’t miss out on an eventual recovery in the comic book market.

We are not in a recession.

You will hear many non-economists casually saying on YouTube that we're in a recession. We are not in a recession, folks. As we all know, the Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates for the past six consecutive months. If we were actually in a recession, the Federal Reserve would be doing the opposite by cutting interest rates.

Rather, the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates because the economy is overheating, The U.S. unemployment rate remains at a historically low level (3.7%), employee wages continue to rise, and GDP was positive (2.9%) in Q3 of 2022. These are indicators of a roaring economy. In addition, we've seen signs of inflation finally slowing down.

Then Why is the Comic Book Market Still Tanking?

If we're not in a recession and inflation is easing, then why has the comic book market tanked and the stock market been a bear market for most of 2022? Because real estate, stock market, and comic book investors are all afraid that the Federal Reserve will trigger a recession in its battle with inflation and fail to achieve a "soft landing" by lowering inflation without triggering a recession. This is a VERY different situation than the Great Recession of 2008-09 when a total of 59 out of 71 countries were simultaneously in actual recessions.

The Federal Reserve will likely keep raising interest rates but at a decelerated pace until eventually pivoting. As soon as we see signs of that pivot, likely in Q3 of 2023, the stock and comic book market is going to bounce back. I doubt we will ever see the soaring prices of the comic boom of 2021 again, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see ROI recover to at least historical averages (i.e., something close to 10%).

You May Want to Take Advantage of This Buyer's Market.

I'm not a financial advisor, and of course, do your own research, but personally, I'm buying key issues that have over-corrected. Some are afraid that the values will continue to drop, and would rather sit on the sidelines, but it's impossible to predict the precise moment the market will hit bottom.

Instead, if you think a book presents a good value, you're buying a book that you actually like, and therefore will likely hold onto the book for the long term, you're more than likely to do quite well.

Are you currently investing in comics or do you think it's better to wait? Please tell us in the comments section below!

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.