Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

OOOH, that says a lot, Henny Pinnyeo. To know more about the stock market, I suggest you ask steveR, and Jesus(H), they're almost qualified to teach economics to a nursery school.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Like Neal Armstrong said just after the moon shot lifted off...."it's one heck of a bumpy ride, but it's gonna get us to the moon."

Go back to the beginning of the stock market, PinOakEo, and see what it has done. Despite its ups and done, its roller coaster imitations, it has, over time, gone up. If you need to invest and rely on those investments to live on within a short period of time, then you should invest in a low risk portfolio composed of a diversified group of mutual funds heavily invested in bonds and other low risk funds. If, however, you can invest and not worry about the daily ups and downs and even a recession here and there, but have the long picture in mind, then your investment strategy would be much different. I would still recommend sticking to a diversified portfolio of mutual funds. Also, I would recommend keeping your fees as low as possible. We pay 0.40% to our asset manager and Schwab charges only for what trades are made....not a percentage of the portfolio. Of course, each fund charges an administrative fee as well. However, before switching to our current asset manager we used to pay .5% to our asset manager and .5% to Commonwealth Financial which handled the stocks and sent us the statements. Just moving saved us .6% or more per year.

IF you can't stand to watch your portfolio lose 5%, as it has done recently, move to low risk investments. However, while low risk will protect your investment, it will also lower your returns. It's why each person has to determine what their investment needs are. We have retirement income separate from our portfolio and hope not to have to touch our portfolio at all. This makes it much easier to plan for a long term investment strategy.

As far as the current market goes, remember it was around 18,000 in November of 2016 and a year and a half later it is at 24,000....up 33%, despite having lost close to 3,000 points from its highest point (considered due for a correction). What? Did you think it would just keep going up and never stop? Take the 33% and "don't worry, be happy!!"

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Just saw this. Nobody else has had the guts to take on China AND North Korea....and in the same year no less. There are great stakes on the table and people are worrying about a $130,000 supposed campaign contribution? What's the real news here?

PinOakEO Loc: NA

Even Bill Gates claims there will be a 2008 type collapse.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

There's always somebody or other spewing that nonsense. BTW....could you supply a link to Gates' prediction?

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Fear Fear Fear always Fear it could happen it might happen what if it happens! Nothing but fear. While you are cryin the real investors are buyin!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Exactly....the best thing to do, whether the market is up or down is to continue to invest.

PinOakEO Loc: NA

Try googling once in awhile or even drudgereport.com!
Or bloomberg - or forbes!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Gates knows computers. What does he know about economics?

I got my income tax return back from my CPA. We owe about 5k, mostly due to dividends and capital gains distributions (similar to dividends, but a result of mutual funds selling funds within the fund). If you choose not to invest....go ahead....see what kind of dividends a CD will pay ya.

PinOakEO Loc: NA

Just how much will be lost in DJI - NASDEC - S & P 500?

IT took 2 yrs to turn around. Now in the low 22K range!

Worst since Oct 2008. Took 10 yrs to get going \.

One day of 1,086 /. BHO takes credit for / swing & will blame #45 for all \ swings!