I put $3000 into a Vanguard balanced fund two months ago. It has gone down down down. Should I fret?

this is the first time I have ever put a dime in the stock market.
I am worried. Thanks.

When you invested this money, did you not realize the stock market had it's ups & downs?? Did you really think the stock market moved only one way, steadily upward??

If you are a long term investor, and if you want to make more than CD's down at the bank, the stock market is the place to be. Otoh, if you can not stand the volatility, then the stock market is probably not for you.

I would also be worried. The economy is very shakey right now and I do not see things improving in the near future. For example - two days ago the fed strongly suggested that they would be dropping rates again in a couple of weeks or sooner. This is usually a very good thing and the market reacts very positively (goes up).

Today, the DOW dropped almost 250 points. Not a good sign. Basically too little, too late. The recession is here and it's going to be around for a while.

Vanguard is a no ;oad fund family. You would be in a safer position to move your funds into either an intermediate government bond fund or their money market. You should be able to just give them a call and they will make the change for you.

Good luck

you should stay in it

this fund is for long term investments

3 months is not considered long term: )

since the fund has been open it has did great for it was supposed to do..

stick out 5-10 yrs

LOL
Put your money in Belarusian bank.
You will get a 13% rate of interest with NO RISK AT ALL because all deposits are state insured.

Or lend your money privately to Belarusian entrepreneurs who will pay you over 30% interest per year. Very low risk and high rate of return.

For more details please email me at bestinvest@land.ru (with your nickname at Yahoo Answers).

Good luck!