Here is the issue — stocks are a mostly meaningless factor when considering the economic health of a nation. Equities are a casino based on nothing but the luck of the draw when it comes to news headlines, central banker statements and algorithmic computers. Today, as Fischer openly admitted, stocks are a purely manipulated indicator representing nothing but the amount of stimulus central banks are willing to pour into them through various channels.<\i> And the most frightening and amazing thing is that 401(k)s, IRAs, and millions of people's retirements are hinged on this casino called the stock market.
And what is the reason
retirements are hinged on this casino called the stock market?
Government coercion based on tax "incentives." If it weren't for the Gestapo, I mean IRS, 90% of the people would never have a 401k, and all those poor bankers and brokers would be out of jobs.
I got 25 % percent return over time, less 30% capital gains, less 20+% of gross in fees, and a net loss of 30-50% for inflation over the period. Awesome, dude!