Stock market: How much lower do you think it will go?

[Rot 911]

Sure wish I had sold when it went back up to the upper 12's a couple of months ago. Still wondering if I should sell and stop the bleeding. Fortunately I switched over to CD's and bonds over the last 8 months or so with current investing. At least then when things look like they are bottoming out I will have some cash to buy back in and maybe even things out.

[Nathans_Dad]

Unless you are within 5 years of retirement age or need the money in the next 5 years, don't worry about it.

[krichard]

Considering everyday we hear news on oil, real estate, Iraq and Iran, the financials in a heap of trouble..... I think any big thing could push us over the cliff. Not a lot of positive news out there to ease investors and its been that way for a while now. The only thing I see pushing the market back up is a couple qtrs of strong earnings announcements. Wall street will forget everything when the companies are making money again

[Porsche-O-Phile]

4-digit range by the end of the year. Probably around 9,000 or so. It will remain there for quite some time.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by Nathans_Dad

Unless you are within 5 years of retirement age or need the money in the next 5 years, don't worry about it.

I think that used to be the old philosophy. Look how long it took to recoup from the big drop in 2000. It took about 5 years just to break even after that fall.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Normally I'd agree with that (i.e. "just hold the stocks") but the opportunity cost can be significant. The other thing that sucks is when a good amount of your holdings are options that have expiration dates and you can't hedge against losses by just holding them in perpetuity. . . I know something about that. Last few weeks have been especially painful.