For the first time since 2007, I feel like a positive move in the stock market is not fools gold. 13,000 is just a number but as the Dow moves about 13,000, I at least feel like it’s worthy of the number. Based on everything that’s happened, I’m still hesitant to believe the stock market has any great upside move in store for us.  But, at least I don’t feel like we are going down significantly either. I’ve kept so much of my money in case over the past several years and will probably do so for the near future. I think I’ve missed any significant move up with my cash on hand but who knows.

I’ll tell you this…even if I miss a move, I will still be cheering because at least our economy is doing better. Three cheers for the Dow finishing above 13,000! Hip, Hip, Horray! That’s good for most everyone.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 2008 at 8,776. As of noon today, the Dow, down 65 points, is at 9,719. That’s almost an 11% return for 2008. Granted the stock market was down from 14,093 in Oct 2007 and actually fell to 6,626 in March 2009.  But, however it got here…I’ll take 11%. The past is the past in terms of stock market losses. The question is how do we earn a reasonable rate of return going forward?

I think the market is catching its breath. There is no way it should be going significantly higher based on the number of unemployed.  It could take a long time to catch its breath. 11% for 2010 is 10,788. It’s not setting the world on fire but it’s enough to get rich…over time.

So, as the market seesaws back and forth, I am watching the above numbers. If we can end 2009 somewhere around 9,750…great. If we can end 2010 around 10,800…great!