More Special Pluses

Article Excerpt

If last week’s downturn makes you wonder if you should sell all your stocks, keep in mind that the world economy and stock market stand to gain from three special factors, just like McKesson. Starting in the early 1990s, I’ve regularly pointed out that these special factors are often overlooked or under-estimated. They are: 1. The baby boomers remain in the prime of their economic lives. Boomers are earning, spending and saving more than ever before. (Bank savings rates are low, but boomers are “saving” by building up equity in homes, stock portfolios and retirement accounts). Capital accumulation raises productivity and speeds up growth. 2. Computer and communications technology continues to raise productivity. Every time a business buys a new machine, its output rises due to technological improvements. 3. Free trade and the move toward more economic freedom is spurring greater wealth creation all around the world. It’s basic economics: When capital can move more freely among countries and industries, it tends to go…