All across the globe, policy makers are patting each other on the backs and sticking feathers in each others hats. Congratulations all round for a job well done. Financial disaster avoided thanks to their brave, money minting, efforts. They’ve managed to put a bottom on the most gut wrenching crisis since the Great Depression.

 No individual is smart enough to know where to put the dry cleaners, tyre stores, banks or coffee shops in your community. But rational, self-interested people will provide what we need, where we need it and when we need it. But should you invest following the wisdom of the crowd?

If you want to make big money from your share portfolio, you need to know when to sell and bank your profits. Successful investors tend to stick to several, simple money-making rules. Use these tools, and you should do well from your investments.

Recent stock market gains will quickly disappear if earnings don’t come to the party. An earnings underpin is essential for current high stock valuations. Thus the major concern for stock market investors is whether we’ve seen the worst – in terms of results – from companies operating in the mining, finance and retail sectors?

Last week, we learned that the UK was still stuck in recession, contrary to expectations. But there were no such disappointments for Americans yesterday.

Knowing when to sell is the single most important strategy every investor needs to be truly successful at. So today, I’ve asked Tim Bennett – our regular MoneyWeek investment strategist – to help you discover when the best time to sell is.