2.8 The prediction of shipping cyclesSo it looks as though the investor who wants to make a return of more than 4-5 percent per annum must be prepared to take 'shipping risk'-or, if we put it in simpleterms, to take a gamble. The problem is to find a decision strategy for dealing withthe cycles we have discussed at such length. One obvious strategy is to exploit thevolatility of freight rates by taking a position based on the expected developmentof the cycle. The strategy described, for example, by Alderton4 is to spot charteron a rising market and, when the peak is reached, to sell or take a time charter longenough to carry the vessel through the trough. Ship acquisitions are made at thebottom of the market when ships are ' cheap' Few would argue with the principleof buying low and selling high. The skill lies in the execution. Most analysts havebeen caught out too often to believe they can forecast accurately. However there issome middle ground.