NYSE Euronext (NYX)

[Not_Bill_Oneil]

Mel, just a few things...

to try to keep in mind. First, it's not an easy game to be in. Frustration is common for most participants, and statistics show most participants lose money and/or underperform the averages.

And the people that do well, spend a lot of time and a lot of years studying and working towards it. Most are professionals in this business.

If you have the time and inclination, it can be rewarding. But, one other common thread many people state is that it often takes time (years) to learn every way not to do it, before they finally learn what works. Education can help shorten that process, but, either way, you usually have to pay one way or the other.

You're not jinxed at all. It's just the way the market works. It's just the order of things.

And keep in mind the real purpose of the markets, it's to raise money for new and/or growing companies. The people who are really ultimately rewarded are usually the founders of far reaching and forward leading companies that are changing the lives of many. The innovators in business. That's the key idea behind it all - "Innovation".

There are some good funds out there, including index funds, and other vehicles, which are also very good options.

And diversity is always the key, even among different asset classes. I keep a portion of money in a MMA.

GL with whatever you decide.