A Surprising
"Bear Market"
Perspective
By James Stack, editor
InvesTech Market Analyst
The average investor is battle-weary and hurting after the first half of 2002. As a historical (and surprising) perspective on this bear market today...
- This is now the longest bear market in over 60 years (see graphic), and only six months shorter than 1929-32.
- This is now the 2nd largest bear market in over 60 years, surpassed only by the 48.2% decline of 1973-74 (see graphic).
- S&P 500 performance over the first 6-1/2 months of this year (through July 15th) has been the 2nd worst in 75 years... surpassed only by 1932!!!
Regardless of one's viewpoint or what lies ahead, this has now become one of the granddaddy bear markets of the past 100 years. From a longevity, severity, and contrarian standpoint, this bear market is getting to be pretty long in the tooth.
Editor's
Note: James Stack is editor of
InvesTech Market Analyst, 2472 Birch Glen, Whitefish, MT 59937,
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