Even Dennis Placone, Clemson University associate professor of economics who routinely studies the market as well as teaches about it, won't hazard a guess.
Recessions occur, but as to when, no one can predict that.
Over the long run, the market will return an average 10 to 12 percent. Placone is more excited about the methods by which consumers get into the market than where they put their money. The average person is more involved, and better informed, because of technology. Current strong trends include on-line trading and incentive structure at brokerage houses. In years past, an investor would contact his or her broker, make a purchase and pay a commission on the purchase.