I got out of the stock market more than three years ago and invested in real estate instead, which turned out to be a better idea - so far. The house we bought in Cathedral City has increased in value by 50% or more since June 2019, when we bought it.

I'm kicking myself. This could last a long time, giving the party on the outside fake ammo to blast the party in power -- as if either deserve praise or blame for this collision of catastrophes.

"Much more worried about Putin and his growing threats to use nukes" Try finding some Potassium Iodine pills and you'll see the concern is shared by the many around the world.

I do see the ballast of truth and reality will take the party to the moon.

I lived through the 08 disaster. What made it worse was my husband had just retired at age 78 and we watched our retirement funds keep dropping. It was scary. Housing prices were dropping like a rock. We had planned to sell our house and move to a smaller place. We watched our retirement money dropping and our house worth dropping.

We decided to start working again until things stabilized. We did that for two years and things were getting worse. We were in touch with our financial advisors and decided to pull our money out of the market. We stuck all our investment money into our checking account. It was a lot of money and Chase said they could manage it. We gave them a chance and things got worse. We pulled everything out and moved it to Fidelity and I decided to manage it myself.

Long and short, I read everything I could on investing. Lived with CNBC on the tv and started investing slowly. I was extremely cautious and only invested in companies I felt were stable and would come back.

I've been doing our investing since then. I had a feeling around the start of 2022 that things were going to change. Powell about to start hiking rates, stocks terribly overpriced, I decided to start selling companies I didn't feel would bounce back if inflation and higher rates kicked in.

I held the companies I felt were solid, not terribly overpriced. So, now I ride out the storm. I might start buying this week. I actually think this is a good time to start nibbling on good companies.

I did buy Lockheed Martin, Raytheon back in January. I've done very well with those. I own only the top internet stocks but have held them for years and might start nibbling on those adding a few shares.

Don't panic. But buy companies you believe will be around for a long time. Listen to the news reports to watch where the Country is heading. Only buy when stocks are on sale, but wait until you are certain they are close to bottom. You don't want to try to catch a falling knife.

Times are still very uncertain.

Jane

Jane, I'm sure those were difficult times for you. You've hopefully recovered your nest egg and can live comfortably.

The best and brightest of big time money managers, some of whom oversee non-index type mutual funds, never liquidate stock market holdings. The reason is obvious - precipitous drops always recover. The market had risen after the 2008 plummet back to pre-drop levels in a few years. The same is true for the drop at the beginning of the pandemic in Spring 2020. The markets went down by what, something over 25%, but recovered completely by the end of the year. Those who eliminate their equity holdings miss out on gains from the bounce-back. Same is true now.

As for shuffling investments from one group to another when individual stocks are owned, one needs to remember that a rising tide lifts all boats. Those who think their investments do better if actively managed can have that done at low cost by investing in managed mutual funds. Which, incidentally, only occasionally can outperform index funds.

Few alternatives, maybe none, outperform balanced portfolios heavy in equities over the long term. Keeping money in cash most certainly doesn't.

Understanding one's risk tolerances should figure into decisions about investing in various vehicles. If you are going to panic over the ups and downs of the market, it is probably not a good place for you to put your money. You need to be able to hold still and suffer the ups and downs with some equanimity, otherwise you will spend and lose money for emotional reasons, no bueno.

All very well to hold and wait...unless YOU are unlikely to be around to see that bright shiny day or will need ready money to pay for dull things like nursing homes. Of course your advisor wants you to stay the course -- he can't survive a percentage of nothing.

chisue, market movements are like the weather. Changes happen and not always in preferred ways, and there's little to do about it. Zalco expressed it well, we all have different degrees of risk tolerance and acceptance of movements.

I hold three mutual funds which I kept after firing the 3 investment banks who managed our money. I kept those funds because they are managed well and are closed end funds.

Elmer, yes I made up much of what we lost but what couldn't be made up was, time. When you retire, you are no longer contributing and are forced to take RMD's.

Right now I feel there is too much uncertainty in the world and this Country. Powell speaks tomorrow and we'll see how the markets handle the rate hikes.

I don't look at my investments and haven't sold anything. I wait for the market to go on sale an the outlook is more stable and start nibbling. It just hurts to see so many gains evaporate.

I am bexause I have to tale a significant amount out of my IRA as a RMD . IIn adition to it being requires depend on it to live on.

Read through the comments before I realized this thread is from 3 years ago - guess I missed it the first time.

If anyone was concerned back then, they are likely more concerned now. The stock market may not be the economy, but it certainly holds a lot of significance for many of our 'leaders', and it's been quite volatile so far this year.

How did you feel in the 1970's through the 90's as millions upon millions lost their jobs, manufacturing closed their factories and cities became blighted and poor here in the USA?

How about the 1000's of small towns across America that have nearly become ghost towns where 40% live in poverty because the one and only major business folded due to cheap Chinese imports?

You haven't lived through hurt, and you don't know it.

Vietnam is 2nd right behind china as importers of furniture into the USA. They charge the USA a 70% tariff on imports into Vietnam, all DT wants is fare trade, nothing more. If people are losing their jobs in Vietnam, China or any other country with stupid high tariffs on United States products it's the FAULT of their government and not DT.

The United Automobile Workers Union is backing DT on the tariffs. Before the Tariff war China charged 20% to 40% tariff on American car imports, how could US manufacturers even compete?

Federal labor unions need to be set in their place. They protect the employees but also the lazy, criminal and incompetent who can't be fired. I knew a Postal carrier who in 2009 was selling hard drugs out of his jeep. On a tip the PI's put a hidden cameras in the truck and caught him in the act selling and using it. The Union through mediation was able to get his jobs back. (these are the ones who steel your mail.) Federal unions have taken control and need to learn their true reason for their existence. My Dad took the job as Teamster union treasurer and hated the job. I asked why he did it and replied "to keep the union honest".

Where do you draw the line between right and wrong? I know you do the difference but I really think you lack the information to make a rational choice based on the way stories you read are manipulated to become emotional.

"all DT wants is fare trade, nothing more."

Yes he does....He has never cared about fairness (and I don't believe it was unfair before, but that's a separate argument).

but I really think you lack the information to make a rational choice based on the way stories you read are manipulated to become emotional.

Of course......If we don't agree with you, we must be manipulated sheep, right? It couldn't be that we're rational people making considered choices that just happen to be different than yours, right? Yeah.

"choices that just happen to be different than yours, right? Yeah."

Mine are based on fact yours are based on emotion.

Here are some facts. In October, long before DT was in power Canada put a 25 per cent surtax on steel and aluminum products from China, and 100% on Chinese-made electric vehicles. And your politicians have the gull to whine about DT's Traiff's?

How about a 0% tarriff on diary products from the USA until the level gets to a certain point the Tariff jumps to 100%. So much for fair trade and screw the poor American dairy farmers, or the dirt poor Chinese factory worker, Canada comes first, right?

Canadian politicians are hypocrites..

And why shouldn't American's come first in America? But then DT is labeled as an evil Nationalist and somehow linked to Adolf 1939. In this case according to America's left the Canadian government are all Nationalsozialists.

It's hard to argue facts. Gull works for me so I'll stick to it.

" And why shouldn't American's come first in America? "

Now that's an emotional argument!

And why shouldn't Canada come first in Canada?

If it were as simple as Asian companies taking over manufacturing but it is not. It is American companies moving to other countries, striking deals and taking advantage of those Asian countries. When a countries ceases to be as profitable as it was they move elsewhere. This is the real truth and we did it to ourselves by allowing those countries to off shore their businesses. The tanker business is based on American companies traveling under the flags of other countries. It is a total fraud done to avoid taxes. We make cars in Mexico or Canada because it saves the company money. I havent been able to find out what percentage of our trade is actually just off shored business, plus they create cooperative companies in places like China but it is huge so just remember we allowed this to happen and business was happy to do it.

patriciae

No, I dont even follow the market. When I put that money in several years ago, my financial advisor said, just think of it as someday money, don't watch the numbers, and you will be ok. That's what I do. I don't need something else to worry about. Some may say that's irresponsible, but am ok.

" think of it as someday money, don't watch the numbers, and you will be ok. "

Wise words.

" touting their intellectual prowess often demonstrate the opposite?."

Carol, save your Guru wisdom for Confucius. , It doesn't take much intelligence to access data and facts, and even you can find it to learn from if only you would take off your sleep mask when awake. .

Well, for some of us, ”someday” is here.

Is everyone investing in insurance stock? 😂

I appreciate it when people illustrate my points 😀

😂 Your not really on topic. Your caterwauling...........is funny as all get out! 😂

I needed the laugh....

nicole, what is it about insurance stocks that interests you?

It was a joke....since insurance costs are up....so nothing really. I'm actually thinking of investing in CVS...but I've missed the low point. I was guessing Mounjaro was "the one" to invest in...but turns out it's 2nd best....(note: I say "invest", I closed my margin account, can't short, but it may be a short term swing trade)

If you invest on margin, you need insurance! But there's nothing to cover that risk.

No, I don't trade on margin...it has to be a margin account to "short" or day trade or buy options. So I can ONLY "invest"....a term that normally doesn't apply to me.

' Well, for some of us, ”someday” is here. "

True. I am fortunate to not be there yet.

@HU-279332973 “We make cars in Mexico or Canada because it saves the company money” I am curious as to how manufacuing car parts in Canada, saves the company money? Given that Detroit/Windsor can be depicted as their own car maufacuring entities. Kind of like a world onto their own.

@outpaientzero ”The United States never met these allowable levels and Canada started applying tariffs to dairy products .” True, America never sold more dairy products to Canada than allowed in the 2017 CUSMA.” However, can you prove where or when Canada applied additional (illegal) tarrifs. Hence breaking the trade agreement? Interestingly, the current administration has stated that all products etc, in compliance with the 2017 agreement will not be subject to new or additional tariffs. As such, dairy products etc continue to enjoy this exemption. In other words, currently, there are no additional tarrifs placed on dairy products (Unless, the current administration, is not aware, Canada broke the CUSMA rules!)

@likestonehomes...In other words...he's playing "fair". Not like reporters make him out to be? This is why we need to vet people coming into our country. I am a 2nd generation immigrant...but my grandfather did-not come here illegally.

^^^It is the strangest thing...they do not caring about these murdered girls/women/people-but, caring more about the huge number of dangerous illegals that were allowed by their party to come into our country unvetted. It's just baffling to people with common sense. And, they seem okay with it happening again and again. They've definitely lost their way.

That is how bad they want votes. There is no other answer. We all watched this happen right before our eyes.

Likestonehomes. I'm going to walk back some earlier statements here. Tariffs of 250% to 390% on various U.S. dairy products is true, but I can't supply examples and believe none of these Tariffs were ever collected because Canadian importers would never pay the duties on any product they weren't permitted to imports. Dairy exports face strict import limits under Canada’s TRQ system with published yearly maximum quantities allowed and what is still available.

Click here for the list of maximum allowable Ag Import amounts into Canada.

I'm no expert on the very complicated trade agreements and have no desire to become one. All I do is read information on what I want to know, and it doesn't come from mainstream media. I do not access FOX or CNN or other sources fueling the fear mongering, and seek non-partisan and unbiased data if I can.

What I do read are regional and national AG publications as a hobby and interest. One resent story in FarmProgress stated Canada Violated the USMCA through 2020 into 2021 so the US had to submit formal disputes and won them all. So I'll retract my statement claiming MR. B's administration did nothing, it appears someone did their job, but have no desire to find the details.

I have no idea why making car parts in Canada pays. I know that the bits and pieces are said to go back and forth across the borders numerous times. I suppose it must be the sorts of manufacturing they have. So much with cars is robotics these days. I remember when people started complaining about so much of the building of cars was moved to Mexico and Canada back in the sixties and seventies..

patriciae

CUSMA is a huge agreement between the three countries. There is bound to be violations and disputes. Interpretations of the rules may differ. That is why there is a tribunal that rules on it. Canada, USA, and Mexico have all had rulings. Some for, some against.

https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/cusma-aceum/settlement-reglement.aspx?lang=eng

@outpaientzero Glad to know someone did their job under previous administration. If you are interesred here is more information on Canada’s Dairy Supply Management System and on the ”excessive” tarrifs Tarrifs. (Bottom line, to date, the usa and canada have never paid tarrifs on dairy). The Supply Management system is designed to keep the dairy market stable within Canada as well. Some farmers like it others don't.

https://www.factcheck.org/2025/04/trumps-misleading-claim-on-canadian-dairy-tariffs/

https://dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/canadian-goodness/articles/what-supply-management-means-canadians

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-canada-us-dairy-trade-cusma-1.7483049

@HU-279332973 Car parts made in Canada is not any cheaper than made in the USA. Here is a bit of history…

there's no such thing as a Made in America car anymore. And there hasn't been for years.

Since Canada and the U.S. signed the Auto Pact in 1965, auto manufacturers have leveraged the comparative advantage in both countries to make the industry more competitive, production more efficient and vehicles more affordable.

Canada and Mexico are integral to the North American supply chain and have relationships with auto manufacturers dating to the early 1900s. Those ties remained strong throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. When the automotive industry plummeted into catastrophe during the Great Recession, it wasn’t just the U.S. government that pitched in to preserve it. Canada offered its own tax dollars as part of President Barack Obama's task force that led General Motors and Chrysler through bankruptcy.

https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2025/03/27/canada-mexico-auto-manufacturing-united-states-tariffs/82687283007/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/made-in-america-cars-1.7494979

@Toronto Veterinarian... " the US is now deporting mostly illegals with no criminal history whatsoever "

We can't support ALL these people! Free medical. Free School & teachers that have to be bi-lingual and catch the children up to the grade where their supposed to be. Free housing so they're not homeless. Full food banks? Ours are depleted. We can't handle millions ALL at once, we need to slow the influx down until we have the infrastructure. Vet people legally.

Don't we (USA) still have quotas for individual countries regarding immigration? The numbers are not the same for every country either, IIRC. Once a limit for their country has been reached, most people are SOL.

There are those who can essentially buy their way in, bypassing normal channels - with amounts of money that are out of reach for many, if not most.

" BS, we certainly can afford it."

Talk is cheap, but if YOU think YOU can afford it post your address with an open invitation to the law breaking criminals who illegally crossed the boarder without permission. Big talk for someone willing to spend other peoples money.

Nearly 97% support deporting those who have committed violent crimes, but your house will do fine by me if you take responsibility for their actions.

I don't believe there is a glut of illegals coming to the U.S. purposely to commit crimes.

I asked my mother how many instances she can cite of a murder committed by an illegal. She had one.

I can instantly cite several instances of non-illegals committing murder, "white" as can be. My ex bro-in-law's niece killed her husband. A classmate's sister killed her husband. My mother's past employer was killed by her brother due to his disagreement with their father's estate. Mom's grandmother or great-grandmother (I'm not clear which) shot (one of) her several husbands, story goes the sheriff said "he deserved it."

" I imagine that as we see the stock markets continue to churn and sink, some positions will change. "

The stock markets have been churning and sinking and rising again ALL over the world since their inception. Quote: there was a significant market downturn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

1929...big market crash...there are always market crashes! Always have been.

When the market crashes...short it or buy puts. There's a way to trade in ANY market if YOU know what your doing.....

Stock market swings of /29 and covid, are different than the, practically, weekly or even, daily, upsets we have seen lately. The question, perhaps, is Why? what is different now than in 29/ or covid. Further, the crash and covid had to do with global issues, i.e WW1, and Covid impacted the stock market. I other words, it was not a self-made issue.

I can instantly cite several instances of non-illegals committing murder, "white" as can be.”
I also know of instances though some were illegal. It’s true we have our hands full with legal citizens committing crimes. I can’t see how it makes any sense to risk further problems by letting people (including gang members) in illegally. I‘m guessing the families of Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray and Rachel Morin might have some input.

" I also know of instances though some were illegal. "

Surely.

But just as surely that's not an exclusivity and shouldn't be banked as such.

I rob banks but it's OK because I need the money and don't hurt anyone. I know it's illegal but if I need the money and don't hurt anyone whats the big deal. It's just the banks money, not yours so it's also not a problem. I just want a better life and live the American Dream so I question the legitimacy of bank robbery laws that deny me the right to rob banks in the first place.

I see Lugi has a million in donations from people who don't believe in laws either, and I hope if I get caught robbing some of you Law deniers will help me out with donations. Thank you.

The majority of people here support immigration-LEGAL immigration-where they are thoroughly vetted and they are not affiliated with criminal gangs, terrorist organizations, or other known threats to the rest of us. I wholeheartedly welcome such a system! However! The chaos of the past four years has been utterly bewildering. To suggest that the United States can financially sustain all this illegal immigration, with all its associated costs-defies total logic and you'd have to belong to an entirely different reality. I mean...really.

Any common-sense person would know this. It’s so absurd to argue otherwise-I hate wasting my breath even explaining that. 47 won primarily on this issue.

Immigration or people seeking to escape the horrors of their countries is a huge world wide problem. There has to be another means to curb people wanting to escape. North America cannot absorb the amount of people wanting to pursue a safer life, nor can many european countries. The person figuring out how To resolve this world wide problem will be worshipped throughout the ages!

It is not illegal to come to the country and seek refugee status. This is where the system breaks down with 3-5 year court time wait.