Stocks were up 1.36% for 2015. That's when you include dividends. It's amazing how many erroneous reports that you hear about stocks finishing down for the year. They don't include dividends. A flat 2015 is probably to be expected when you look at the previous 3 years:
2012: +15.89%
2013: +32.15%
2014: +13.52%
Despite a bad start for 2016, I think the bull market will resume its upward trajectory in a few months. Why? What are your other options? The total bond market is still yielding about 2.3%. CD's are still paying zero point whatever percent.
Where else are you going to find returns?
Also millennials are still living in fear of 2001 and 2008. I'm taken back by how many young people think that stocks are supposed to drop 50% every so often. With this atmosphere there can't be a big stock market correction. You have to have irrational exuberance before there can be a correction.
We'll see how 2016 plays out.
