What If the Stock Market Never Recovers?

Reader Comments

Back to blog

..that projected a 5-7 year recovery of 2007 account size. However, have "almost" matched my beginning balance. My gain since these dates in March 2009 have been 50% which is about $90,000. I hope the stock market simulates a 2002-2007 increase. That would be a new life dream for this 63 year old retiree!

Roben of WA 1:39AM November 13, 2009

Sadly, I have come to the same conclusion as the no recovery scenario. I believe that any recovery at all will be modest at best, and stock returns may likely be anemic by historic standards, maybe for a decade or more. I have no confidence in the equity markets as a safe arena for the individual investor. I am approximately 7 years from retirement. I went to cash after the Bear Stearns meltdown, and I remain in cash. I am interested primarily in preserving my capital, and although I continue to direct nearly 17% of my gross earnings to my 401(k) account, it all goes into the cash fund. That 4% return is better than watching your hard earned dollars going down the toilet. I just have no confidence in the market.

KB of UT 4:52PM April 27, 2009

Frank of TX suggests a scenario that the stock market crashes, riots begin, and a new age of fascism. Who can say, but we do know that with the exception of riots, we've already experienced that with 8 years of Bush.

Chris Doyle of ID 1:28PM April 26, 2009

You forget to factor in inflation. All fiat currency has it. Now that the federal reserve printing presses are about to put into full production to cover the "presidents" plans for our economy. You have to assume that with no buyers of the debt it will be monetized and therfore create Hyper-inflation.

Can anyone say Weimer Republic Marks?

Jeff of WI 4:19AM April 26, 2009

First there has to be some type of crisis happen that travel may be restricted. Whether it is a financial, health or biological scare or some type of "incident" that a declaration of emergency may be declared. That way the emergency powers assumed by the president or governing body have a cover of legitimacy.

Jeff of WI 4:14AM April 26, 2009

I think that Americans have pinned way too much hope on the idea that the stock market will come back. I'm not sure it's a risk any of us can or want to take. By owning hard assets, like real estate and precious metals, at least, at the end of the day, you own something. And with real estate, you can cash flow a good investment forever.

Jennifer of CO 2:52PM April 25, 2009

Am i right in thinking that following the previous depression followed by a War the market has recovered pretty successfully....so guess whats coming...

This whole thing has been a setup from the beginning...

gaz 9:28PM April 24, 2009

You left out one scenario:

The stock market crashes and riots begin as we plunge into a new dark age of fascism.

Frank of TX 7:47PM April 24, 2009

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

Planning to Retire

Senior editor Emily Brandon tells you how to get ready financially for retirement and to make your golden years the best they can be.

advertisement

Our retirement readiness calculator will provide a rough idea of how long your retirement savings and income will last.


advertisement