Bulls, Bears, Donkeys and Elephants

How do you get rich investing in stocks? Elect a Democrat President. See this chart in the NY Times. It's a good example of how graphics can help make numbers easier to comprehend.

As of Friday, a $10,000 investment in the S&P. stock market index* would have grown to $11,733 if invested under Republican presidents only, although that would be $51,211 if we exclude Herbert Hoover’s presidency during the Great Depression. Invested under Democratic presidents only, $10,000 would have grown to $300,671 at a compound rate of 8.9 percent over nearly 40 years.

Could a Bull Market emerge quicker than anyone expects if Democrat Obama wins the election? Before you get your clients' hopes up, read the David Brooks column that appeared right next to the chart in the print edition of the Times. Maybe cash is king after all.

To remotivate yourself, see Warren Buffett: Buy American. I Am.