SteveR Loc: Michigan

I have had a CFP but switched to a company that invests in index funds. My CFP's advice prior to the recession of 2008-9 was to ride things out and that things would come back up again. When the market DID rebound, our funds did not rebound equally. There's something about when the market goes down and comes back up 100%, your portfolio doesn't come back to its former level. I don't think I can explain it like my CFP did, but we'd gotten out and then gotten back in we could actually have made money. The other sales pitch that these guys do is to show you how much the DOW has gone up since 1901 and how it's always going up, and, well....you just can't lose, right? Then they tell you to diversify, so while one market is up another is down and whatever gains might be made are mitigated. The average Joe Blow doesn't have a chance. However, anybody in the market in the 90's did very well, but we won't see that again.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Curious that they didn't give Trump credit when the market went up after the election but they are willing to assign it to him now that it has gone down.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Much of what we've seen is a market correction, although tariffs and increases by the Fed have had their affects. Political volatility also has an affect on the markets. With some positive signs such as the record retail period that we've just seen, don't despair too quickly. Every roller coaster has dips.

Glenn Harve

Its even worse. They are trying to bring the economy down now so they can bring him down. The fed is part of it. They have tried everything else and failed. Trump has exposed something unbeleivably evil in our politcal system. Its there for all who care to open their eyes to it. We Americans are expendable pawns in this twisted deep state game.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

It was nice while it lasted. And while it did, companies loaded up on debt, for one thing. The only reason for low interest rates was to encourage the extension of credit and prop up a damaged economy. That reason has past. The raising of rates is just another sign of a healthy economy.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

True, and he would have had the money to pay it.
My father used to say that his biggest problem should be paying the taxes on his profits.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Alternate facts (and reality).

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

You don't suppose the market's wild swings and huge downturn could be a reaction to the president's actions regarding removing ourselves from long formed treaties and alliances, siding with Putin about the US being hacked ("He said he didn't do it.") even though our intelligence agencies say otherwise. Or perhaps it is because the president did not go to two SEATO meetings to represent the US trade and treaty interests. BTW China and Russia were there and were more than happy to step up to replace the US trade agreements. It couldn't be that it is because the president takes no advice from his own advisers ... because he knows more about each subject than they do. No it could not possibly be any of that. It's the TV media, it's the print media, it's the radio media, it's liberals, it's the FBI, the CIA, the DOJ, it's his own generals, it's the democrats, it's our allies, and in a few weeks it will be The House of Representatives fault ... it could not possibly be the consequences of the president's statements and actions. A simple explanation for an extremely complex world; it could not possibly be that actions have consequences.
BTW some time in the not too distant future the president will point out that Japan and Korea have signed trade agreements with China which will of course have some negative effect on our economy. The president will then blame Japan, Korea and China ... he will never mention those two trade meetings he didn't attend.
Of course, everything I wrote could be wrong; it might just be "The deep state (working through the fed and liberal media) will do anything to devalue the success of this ecomony. Anything. The interests of normal Americans are easily sacrificed." Yah, that's probably it.

Glenn Harve

The market repeatedly absorbed all you state, if you paid attention to the timelines. The kicker was the fed. Watch the timelines, open you eyes. Or not.....

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Very interestingly crafted comment. You got me thinking and questioning my premises. But you didn't get me over to your side because too many of Trump's actions have been raising America up so far. All dyer predictions about him have not come true. What is true is that the dems and the press (not the Fed) will do anything to devalue the success of this PRESIDENT even if that takes tanking the economy.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

I tried to prove a point and used examples of things that have occurred or that the president said; I didn't just write "You're wrong" or "That's not true"
Please don't answer me with "What is true is that the dems and the press (not the Fed) will do anything to devalue the success of this PRESIDENT even if that takes tanking the economy." That's a very damning statement; tell me what it is that causes you to believe that your statement is true. BTW the recent crime bill is to the president's and congress's credit. I'll admit there are a few things that the president got right And by the way that news was reported by "The Press".

Glenn Harve

If you see it by now you never will.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

You obviously see things that I don't. All I am asking is that you point them out to me.
If I make a statement that the president has lied would you not ask me to show examples?
This country is divided, nobody denies that. Here is an opportunity to have a civil discussion about some of the things that are causing this divide.

Glenn Harve

Just watch the cable news channels, ALL of them. You must learn this stark difference and sheer hatred on the left for yourself..
As far as the stock market goes, look at a 20 year chart of the Dow and be honest about why it soared after Trump was elected. Figure out who actually held "the magic wand". Then compare where it stiil is relative to before.
Over and out...

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

Now you want me to look at a 20 year chart? ... You've obviously figured out a lot but seem unable to be specific. Too bad.