Like everyone else, I don’t like looking at my investment losses. But I was cheered up today by some statistics that I wanted to share with you that features hypothetical investments in the Standard & Poor’s 500 composite Index during bear markets. The following results can help you focus on the long term and your commitment to your personal financial strategy:
- Three years after the bear market of the 1970s, a $10,000 investment in the S&P 500 Index would have grown to $45,098.
- In five years after the bear market of the same period, a $10,000 investment in the S&P 500 Index would have been worth $85,605.
That’s the kind of returns I want so I am staying put. Don’t let emotions let you stray from the facts. Your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance should drive your investment decisions, not the daily newspaper, famous people, or the television.
