Stock Market Myths from Financial Planners Virginia


2 “Stocks on average make you about 10% a year.” Stop right there. This is based on some past history stretching back to the 1800s and it’s full of holes. About three of those percentage points were only from inflation. The other 7% may not be reliable either. The data from the 19th century are suspect; the global picture from the 20th century is complex. Experts suggest 5% may be more typical. And stocks only produce average returns if you buy them at average valuations. If you buy them when they’re expensive, you do a lot worse. Look for a good Financial Planner Richmond