[geekman]

> know that it will recover, whether it's over 1 year, 2 years, or longer

Let's put this in perspective. The Nikkei is down 80% over the past 21 years. At an optimistic rate of increase of 6% from now, it will be another 25+ years before it hits 38957 again. All up, over 45 years.

Have a look at Shiller's house price graph. From 1890 to 1955 there was zero real increase - and large falls in the meantime. This is 65 years. Again long term is very long term. Same in Australia by the way. The USA and Australia of the most prosperous and successful economies in the C20. Others did far worse.

This "in the long run all will be well" argument just doesn't hold water. Not if you have a human life span.

See for more on this "The Big Investment Lie: What Your Financial Advisor Doesn't Want You to Know" by Michael Edesess. Everything a financial planner tells you may be a self-serving lie.

[Vivtek]

Not if you have a human life span.

Aha - there's our problem!

[qntm]

Yes, I live for the day when people start being greedy on a super-long-term, multi-generational basis, and finally investment banks will work for the general good of humanity.