[Got Stripers]

Originally Posted by detbuch

Stocks did not reflect the actual market when their prices skyrocketed during stagnant market conditions. The rich were investing in stocks rather than in a weak business market. As the market improved and money started to be diverted from stock investment into business growth rather than into inflated stocks, and inflated stocks were sold off for profit, stock prices began to fall, as predicted, and are probably coming into a closer relationship to the market. Stock prices will probably continue to fall. But if they reach a more realistic index, it will make them a more reliable source for retirement portfolios.

Trade negotiations with China require the will to suffer temporary market jitters. If we cave due to fear of market failure, then China won't need to make concessions, so will continue to do what it has been doing. If we stay the course, they will have to blink or suffer worse political upheavals than we would, and our market will stabilize and rebound if we don't overreact and make unnecessary regulatory or tax interventions.

As of now, our market is still strong. There will always be bits of bad news for some. The automobile sector is being cajoled, if not forced, into re-gearing, as GM is doing, for electric car production. If you're concerned about global warming due to burning fossil fuels, then you should welcome the changes the auto companies are making even while we regret the unfortunate temporary hardships for some that will follow.

But an overall strong and growing economy, if we stay the course, will provide more opportunities for unemployed workers.

I'm invested at a low risk level being retired, but even so, my losses in just over a year now are approaching 8%. Not sure I agree the market is doing well this year, it's actually the reverse in a single calendar year. I don't mess with my investment company's plans as being in good health, with no real need for large cash withdrawals in the near future, I have no choice but to stay the course. Knowing where I was invested in the market when I was younger and working, I know I'd be taking a big arse beating this year.