PatriotsReign

That's the lead story on CNNMoney.

Why are they "poised" to open higher? Because the fed lowered the prime rate .5%. So the stock markets "may" have a good day. Personally, I don't think they'll finish sharply higher...at least they shouldn't.

Across the world, markets had some of the worst days in their history. In Asia where the day is already over, stocks plummetted.

The reality is, stocks will do nothing but continue to decline as we get a clearer picture of where we are going. And from early reports, the economy is not going up.

In the short-term future, stocks will reflect where people think the economy is headed. If we see reduced earnings & layoffs as our future, the markets will continue to decline. And the reality is, that IS what we see as the short-term future.

I think over time, we're going to see the huge day to day swings in stocks diminish. People will react less and less to daily news and the markets will return to a more stable investment environment where the values are based mostly upon actual value, earnings and porformance.

I think that will be a good thing for everyone.

BelichickFan

The futures are down already. Here's a hint - quit worrying about the stock market (everyone, not PR), unless you're a trades, just stay in for the long term and get out when you're within 5-10 years of retirement. It's all paper money anyway. I'm 41, what the stock market does isn't that important right now; although it is nice when it goes up it doesn't actually affect me.

Just ride out the next year of the economy and get some cheap buys while you can.

PatriotsReign

I agree with your comments 100% BF and have not changed a thing in my 401k portfolio. I was just making some general observations on how I think investing and the markets will change as a result of the current economic down turn.

BelichickFan

I have no idea where the bottom will be at this point. I think everyone is scared, from pros to the average Joe. One of these days, maybe today, everyone will throw in the towel and we'll have one more big drop that ends up being the bottom. I am fairly sure about one thing - 10 years from now this will look like an awesome buying opportunity, even if it doesn't in 2 years; historically, though, Oct-Mar is good for stocks and also new Presidents are also good so I think we'll see a decent uptick by March, whoever is elected. By decent I mean back to 11K or so, not back to 14K.

PatriotsReign

BF...I wasn't even talking about where the bottom might be. I was just saying that in the future, I don't think the markets will see the day to day swings like they have the last 8 years. I think many of the day trading influence will diminish and people won't use the markets like a gambling casino. It will become more of a long term environment which will be good for all of us.

I've said enough on predicting the bottom, etc. I was trying to change my perspective a little. Enjoy your day BF!

BelichickFan

I don't know either way but I doubt we'll see this kind of volatility for a while. I think even the pros have no idea what to do, scared to be long in the market but also scared to miss a possible short term rebound. I think that's why the market is all over the place, I think even those who know what they're doing have no idea what to do in this environment.

PatriotsReign

BF...you & I should open an investment advisor office. I think we predict better than many on the national scene!