401k returns

[ryan256]

I saw this today and wow talk about depressing. -40.8% return for 2008 so far. I've changed all of my future contributions to go into more stable value funds. Right now I'm trying to guess whether I've already eaten the worst of it. Or if I should start dumping these falling funds and try to hang on to what I have.

 

[nickbits]

I wouldn't change what you're doing. When things start going back up you'll just switch everything back but in the process missed the move.

 

[sactoking]

My 401(k) at Principal says the return is "N/A". The fine print says "The personalized rate of return for this investment option is not available because it may not be a true reflection of the rate earned for the time period specified on the display. Due to short-term volatility in certain investment markets, we may require some time to pass following a significant transaction before displaying a personalized rate of return."

That translates to "It's down more than 50% and we won't show you the results". Every time the market goes up and the return gets to -49% or better, it shows the number. The minute it goes to -50%, it displays as "N/A".

 

[Vette73]

Yea my wifes is down 50k+ this year. I am not going to change anything and let it rid out till next year.

I don't have that much in my TSP but do have 40% International, 40% Large/Mid cap, and 20% small/mid.

 

[randay]

Originally posted by: sactoking
My 401(k) at Principal says the return is "N/A". The fine print says "The personalized rate of return for this investment option is not available because it may not be a true reflection of the rate earned for the time period specified on the display. Due to short-term volatility in certain investment markets, we may require some time to pass following a significant transaction before displaying a personalized rate of return."

That translates to "It's down more than 50% and we won't show you the results". Every time the market goes up and the return gets to -49% or better, it shows the number. The minute it goes to -50%, it displays as "N/A".

wow thats pretty bad. which 401k is this?

 

[JohnCU]

repost x -39.5%

oops make that -43.0%

 

[ryan256]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Yea my wifes is down 50k+ this year. I am not going to change anything and let it rid out till next year.

I don't have that much in my TSP but do have 40% International, 40% Large/Mid cap, and 20% small/mid.

I have 65% large/mid cap, 26% bonds/stable value funds, and 9% company stock. Maybe I should look at some international.

EDIT: Ugh.. nevermind! The international funds my 401k offers all have -50% return or worse!

 

[randay]

-59.71%

 

[Drakkon]

I have one stock (small cap index fund) down 90% thusfar - luckily only have 15 shares and got out of contributions of that
Overall though only down 17%

 

[ViviTheMage]

only -13%...I have a lot of high risk stuff too ^_^

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: ryan256
I saw this today and wow talk about depressing. -40.8% return for 2008 so far. I've changed all of my future contributions to go into more stable value funds. Right now I'm trying to guess whether I've already eaten the worst of it. Or if I should start dumping these falling funds and try to hang on to what I have.

Ah, so you're doing well this year!

 

[V00DOO]

I don't know. I haven't had the guts to look. I am probably down $5-$8K.:disgust:

 

[ggnl]

I stopped opening my statements. So I have no idea actually.

 

[K1052]

-30%

Switched all my investment elections to a US Large cap fund. Buy'em while they're cheap.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

-48.9%

 

[AmpedSilence]

TOO MUCH

 

[Chunkee]

my father (retired) is down hundreds of thousands.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: JohnCU
repost x -39.5%

oops make that -43.0%

QFT.

YA401KT.

Let's just make the AT "Official 401k Thread" where people can post daily updates:

"zomg, my 401k is down -40% YTD"

If you're young, then you should view dips like this as prime buying opportunities. You are picking up shares at discount prices.

If you're older and/or approaching retirement, then you shouldn't take on more risk than is necessary to achieve your goals. Someone who is 5 years from retirement should not have been 100% stocks to begin with, even before the current bear market began.

 

[ultimatebob]

Looks like roughly 35% right now. Hell... even my bond funds and Berkshire Hathaway stock is down over 20% for the year right now.

 

[RU482]

I'm going to start investing in empty beer cans

 

[woodie1]

When my loss exceeded $125k I kinda sorta maybe stopped looking. Too late to sell so I'll ride it out. Luckily I don't need the money now.

 

[sactoking]

Originally posted by: Special K
If you're young, then you should view dips like this as prime buying opportunities. You are picking up shares at discount prices.

What pisses me off is that my employer is no longer offering their 50% match. My company is profitable and hiring, but the other companies in the group are losing money. Since they can't afford the match, we don't get it either. This asinine decision is going to cost me thousands in lost opportunity over the course of my life. :disgust:

 

[Dulanic]

Personal Rate of Return from 01/01/2008 to 11/12/2008 is -45.1%

No biggie, just ride it out.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: Dulanic
Personal Rate of Return from 01/01/2008 to 11/12/2008 is -45.1%

No biggie, just ride it out.

Yeah you just need 82% return to get back to par. It's no biggie.

 

[miketheidiot]

i was down 55% last i checked