Things Aren't As Bad As You Think
Never Bet Against America
I stumbled upon an interesting article that touches on the state of human freedom.
It’s easy to be negative nowadays. There is a lot going on in the world and social media/the internet overwhelms us with information, typically dark information.
But have you ever stopped to think how good we have it? Or how we have been able to adapt and survive?
We get questions all the time about the stock market and the economy.
Is now a good time to buy?
Should I wait until after the election?
Are the US debt levels sustainable?
I get it, we are all anxious and the unknowns can drive us crazy.
But if you are able to take a step back, you realize that you should never bet against America.
We have a tremendous ability to persevere and to solve problems:
All things considered and despite recent declines, we are still at a historical high point for global liberty, and this is essential, because it gives entrepreneurs, researchers, and consumers the freedom to innovate the world out of most problems. Consider the fact that we have had 20 years of crises, war, terrorism, pandemics, and lockdowns, and still, this has been the 20 best years in history, when looking at indicators of human well‐being.
Around a third of the income level mankind has ever attained was produced during these two decades. Global extreme poverty was reduced by more than 130,000 people—every single day. The child mortality rate almost halved: 4.4 million fewer children died in 2022 than in 2002. Chronic hunger was reduced by almost a third. At the same time, global inequality declined for the first time since the Industrial Revolution.
Not bad for 20 years of never‐ending disasters.
The explanation? Mankind’s ingenuity and adaptability.
Do you know where the S&P 500 was in 2000?
Right around 1,470.
Today it closed at 5,352.
Up 264% in under 24 years, or 11% per year on average return.
Not bad considering all the shit we’ve been through over this same time period.
If you have money on the sideline because you are anxious or you aren’t sure if it’s the right time to buy, just know that the stock market has always trended upwards.
Yes, we will deal with intense ups and downs along the way, but the sooner you put your money to work, the happier you will be.
When you own stocks, you own a piece of a business. Companies that are filled with people working endlessly to grow and serve their customers.
The environment is intense, but that’s the dynamic that makes stocks one of the most powerful and successful investment classes in history.
Disclosure: I wrote this article seven sheets to the wind in Charleston, SC celebrating a good friends wedding. Cut me some slack. This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
All investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal.