On  March 5,  2009, the Dow reached this bear market's bottom, closing at 6,594.44. Since April, it has remained above 8,000. However, it is much too soon to say that the bear market is over and a new bull market is beginning. It is normal for the stock market to rally for months after setting a new low. Many experts believe the Dow must retest the March low without going below it. It also needs to close above 9,034.69, the high reached on January 2, 2009.

What It Means to You

Investors have been fairly optimistic that Obama's stimulus plan will get the economy moving again. However, we still face months of increasing unemployment as layoffs typically increase until the very end of a recession. This could reintroduce fear in investors.  Therefore, the best personal strategy right now is to continue to pay down debt, improve your job skills, and create a long-term financial plan with someone you trust.

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