I am not comfortable owning something that, because of something that happened over night in the Japanese or European markets, is worth 25% less today then yesterday.

During my career, I've had the opportunity to start-up & run two successful internet based companies and am a former futures trader.

Also partially since I'm into anime/manga I'm currently learning Japanese.

.:)Kudos to John JacksonTo John JacksonJohn is not only a nice guy, he is a complete REI expert in Texas on many fronts.He was my student in Lease Option Assignments way back in 2001 (coops, wholesaling lease options, all the same) being a Stock Trader with 2 little girls, stay at home dad.

Financial products and technology are always a good way to go. 40% a year consistently is not achievable long-term for almost any traders.

I was a futures/commodities trader for 10+ years (private).

And no offence to Steve, may he RIP, but the Japanese have been working on this for quite some time ;)http://money.cnn.com/2004/04/06/technology/personaltech/japanese_future.rb/index.htm

I have a 10 year trading background in financial derivatives, mostly options arbitrage and structured commodity deals.As a trader it is clear that it is much better to buy a stock (real estate) in a rising market than in a falling market.

I took a BS from Oglethorpe University in Business and Computer science, minored in Japanese Language and Culture, and concentrated in Economics.

IF you're a trader (short term holds), the short term is the only term!