[Mase]

Computer technology, the internet, and changes in the law contributed too.

Sure, but to a much lesser degree. In the 80's, Reagan could have done what the Europeans did and raised taxes to support the nanny state. Instead, he passed one of the greatest tax cuts in history.

The fact that Americans were now able to keep more of the money they make allowed for the growth of 401K's, IRA's and so on. His tax cuts also created the capital necessary to fund the innovation leading to the tech revolution of the 90's. John Chambers of Cisco Systems credits the Reagan tax cuts, and the rebuilding of the military, for the incredible growth of technology and the resulting increases in productivity in the US. We've created 25 million new jobs since 1994 while the EU created just 2 million. Tells you everything you need to know.

[grey_whiskers]

Bully for Reagan and all that, but I posted my line about computer technology to make it clear that it wasn't just "free trade" which allowed the man in the street to invest in stocks.

There are technological, cultural, financial, and legal barriers in place in the 70's that aren't there now.

Just chanting "free trade did it"^TM is an oversimplification.

Cheers!