The recent 8.2% dip in stock indices from their January 15
th peak provides an opportunity for reflection. While market declines in general are not pleasant, one can understand investors are understandably squeamish after the 37% drop in 2008 and the peak-to-trough drop of 57% from October ‘07 to March ‘09. But ever since stock markets began, values have dropped then recovered only to go on to new heights. Our purpose today is not to predict the market’s next move, but to objectively examine its nature and demonstrate why worrying about the dips is needless and avoidable.