Musicmystery
Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: DarkSteven MusicMystery, the issue I have with your example is that it shows the PAST behavior of the stock market. It is a widespread assumption that the past will predict the future. I;m not so sure. The same conditions that caused the big crash in 2008 ARE STILL THERE. I cannot see how an identical crash will not happen - the only difference is that anyone proposing "Son of TARP" will be politically a dead man walking. Steven, First, I've already agreed that past performance doesn't guarantee the future. And I agree that we have problems with the structural economy at present. But the OP---anyone remember that?--characterized the stock market as a manipulated tool to take advantage of the poor slobs foolish enough to participate, and that's just silly. THAT's the point here--along with over the long term, investors fare well. What about the future? Perhaps not day to day (why I advise against trading), but over time, fundamentals determine the market. It's still businesses producing. Our businesses still grow. That means their stocks do also. I can't point to something that reasonably predictable with other investments. I can't even say precious metals will rise if the market or currency fall, because lately, they've been falling with the market and currency. I've also said that if someone isn't comfortable, don't invest. There are, of course, degrees of risk in stocks, not a monolithic market, including plenty of predictably secure blue chips, especially when one is diversified. What's the alternative? If you're going to predict the collapse of the economy (not saying you are, but some are, despite our overall strength with yes, some problems), where exactly are you going to hide? If that happened, it's over. Everything will be meaningless in the civil unrest that would follow. I'm only pointing out that this mania that the demon stock market is out to get people is silly. That doesn't prevent people from making poor choices and suffering the consequences. Diversify, and do your homework, not follow greed and tips.
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