[Huck]

If all your doing is playing, then I guess it is the same as going to the track. It seems people pay a disproportionate amount of attention to the markets as a whole--the Nasdq and the Dow--and not enough time is spent looking at actual companies. It is my understanding that almost all of Friday's losses on the DOW were the result of one company, Intel. OK. We're not buying a lot of computers right now. The ones we have still work. What of it? There are winners out there. Just not in the chipmaking business.

Look at some of these:

AHR, AXM, EDF, HCM, HGT, CARS

But do you hear folks talking about companies actually making money? No. Why not? I suspect it takes too much work to actually look into companies, and much less work to "squawk" about the Dow or the Nasdaq. But hey, what do I know?

By the way, I don't own any of those stocks. I am still too much of a moron to buy stocks. But I am trying to get my act together.

[Sungirl]

My company lost 17 million dollars the last year and a half...software computer company..I'm supposed to be layed off next week along with 20% of other employees. AND...there are little jobs out there....it's choice for employers.

WHen are the jobs going to come back!!

[philman_36]

You took what I said wrong. I equate both as gambling.
You look into the horse, check out it's win/loss record, see who the owner and trainer are, bloodlines, etc., etc.
Some pony players go to great depths before placing their bet.
And some horses still never even show, much less place or win, yet folks put good money down on a horse they believe has a chance to win.
IMO, not much difference between the two.
Just my POV.

[cgbg]

I am trying to get my act together.

OK, here is my tip on how to decide when to get into the market.

Call the large broker of your choice. Ask them what stocks they are currently recommending.

If they say "Stay out of stocks, they are all losers. Put your money in a money market account." then is the time to take the plunge in the stock market!

If they start peddling stocks then run away!