Vastator
Platinum Member
- Oct 14, 2014
- 23,468
- 11,120
- 950
I could say I feel bad for you; but I don't. I'm neither a Boomer, nor extremely wealthy. So for all the hysteria about the market, please understand; it's catastrophic for you, not the other roughly 80% of us.
Today’s market dive disproportionately affects Baby Boomers and the wealthy because they hold a significant portion of their wealth in financial assets, particularly stocks. Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are either nearing retirement or already retired, with many relying on investment portfolios, such as 401(k)s and direct stock holdings, to fund their golden years. According to financial insights, they own nearly $20 trillion in stocks—almost half the U.S. market—making them highly exposed to market volatility. A prolonged downturn, like the recent 10% drop in the S&P 500 reported by Business Insider, shrinks their nest eggs, potentially forcing delays in retirement or reduced spending to stay afloat. The wealthy, similarly, have a large share of their net worth tied up in equities and other market-dependent assets, amplifying the impact of a slide compared to those with less invested.
In contrast, the bottom 80% of Americans are less directly affected by this market drop because their wealth is not predominantly tied to the stock market. For most, financial security hinges more on wages, home equity (if they own property), and immediate cash flow rather than investment portfolios. Data from the Federal Reserve highlights that the top 10% of Americans control two-thirds of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom 90%—which includes the bottom 80%—hold just one-third, with much of that in non-financial assets like homes or savings accounts. A market dive doesn’t immediately erode their day-to-day finances since they’re less likely to own significant stock holdings. Their economic struggles, like stagnant wages or rising costs, are more chronic and disconnected from short-term market fluctuations.
That said, indirect effects could eventually trickle down to the bottom 80% if a sustained downturn triggers broader economic consequences, such as job losses or reduced consumer spending by the wealthy and Boomers. However, the immediate sting of today’s dive is felt most acutely by those with substantial market exposure. Boomers face a unique squeeze: with limited time to recover losses due to their age, they’re urged to de-risk portfolios, as noted in Business Insider’s analysis.
(https://www.businessinsider.com/boomers-are-in-big-trouble-if-the-stock-market-keeps-sliding-2025-3).
Meanwhile, the wealthy, though more resilient, still see significant paper losses. For the bottom 80%, the market’s ups and downs remain a distant concern compared to pressing issues like inflation or job security, underscoring a stark divide in how economic shocks ripple through society.
(Wealth Inequality and the Racial Wealth Gap).
So keep tje sobbing down. Most of us don't care. And many of us in the know are absolutely loving it...
Today’s market dive disproportionately affects Baby Boomers and the wealthy because they hold a significant portion of their wealth in financial assets, particularly stocks. Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are either nearing retirement or already retired, with many relying on investment portfolios, such as 401(k)s and direct stock holdings, to fund their golden years. According to financial insights, they own nearly $20 trillion in stocks—almost half the U.S. market—making them highly exposed to market volatility. A prolonged downturn, like the recent 10% drop in the S&P 500 reported by Business Insider, shrinks their nest eggs, potentially forcing delays in retirement or reduced spending to stay afloat. The wealthy, similarly, have a large share of their net worth tied up in equities and other market-dependent assets, amplifying the impact of a slide compared to those with less invested.
In contrast, the bottom 80% of Americans are less directly affected by this market drop because their wealth is not predominantly tied to the stock market. For most, financial security hinges more on wages, home equity (if they own property), and immediate cash flow rather than investment portfolios. Data from the Federal Reserve highlights that the top 10% of Americans control two-thirds of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom 90%—which includes the bottom 80%—hold just one-third, with much of that in non-financial assets like homes or savings accounts. A market dive doesn’t immediately erode their day-to-day finances since they’re less likely to own significant stock holdings. Their economic struggles, like stagnant wages or rising costs, are more chronic and disconnected from short-term market fluctuations.
That said, indirect effects could eventually trickle down to the bottom 80% if a sustained downturn triggers broader economic consequences, such as job losses or reduced consumer spending by the wealthy and Boomers. However, the immediate sting of today’s dive is felt most acutely by those with substantial market exposure. Boomers face a unique squeeze: with limited time to recover losses due to their age, they’re urged to de-risk portfolios, as noted in Business Insider’s analysis.
(https://www.businessinsider.com/boomers-are-in-big-trouble-if-the-stock-market-keeps-sliding-2025-3).
Meanwhile, the wealthy, though more resilient, still see significant paper losses. For the bottom 80%, the market’s ups and downs remain a distant concern compared to pressing issues like inflation or job security, underscoring a stark divide in how economic shocks ripple through society.
(Wealth Inequality and the Racial Wealth Gap).
So keep tje sobbing down. Most of us don't care. And many of us in the know are absolutely loving it...
