Regarding stocks, I give credit to Reagan for keeping Volcker as chair of Federal Reserve. Volcker was not a candy ass like current chair Janet Yellen. Volcker kept FED interest rates so high, it killed off the double digit inflation started during Carter and continued through 1982.
I put all my investment capital into stocks paying double digit dividends due to prevalent high inflation rates. The inflation rate came down substantially in mid-1980’s, causing my high dividend stocks to double and triple. That changed my financial life for ever!
I liked Volker also. He did bring rates down over time. They were astronomical under Carter.
I’m glad this all worked out good for you.