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Madoff Case Likely to Sour Boomers on Stocks

Fraud is final straw after terrible performance, analysts say

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 12, 2009 1:47 PM CDT

(Newser) – With Bernard Madoff’s long, fraudulent story drawing to a close, stock-market analysts look to the larger effect the $50 billion Ponzi scheme will have on equities, Kate Gibson writes for MarketWatch. Combined with the dismal performance in stocks over the last year, experts say Madoff’s deception has probably hurt the overall appeal of stocks for the 50+ crowd that embraced them for retirement.

“This man has single-handedly put the nail in the coffin for millions of baby-boomer investors with respect to their desire to invest in the stock market,” one analyst said. Baby boomers will likely “hang on with a certain portion of their investments in order to have a shot at recouping some losses,” predicts another. “But once they reach a point at which they are satiated, they will remove the remaining funds.”

Fraud victim Sharon Lissauer wipes away tears while talking about Bernard Madoff outside federal court today.
Fraud victim Sharon Lissauer wipes away tears while talking about Bernard Madoff outside federal court today.   (AP Photo)
In this artist's sketch, Bernard Madoff, right, speaks to the court during a hearing in federal court today in New York.
In this artist's sketch, Bernard Madoff, right, speaks to the court during a hearing in federal court today in New York.   (AP Photo)
Assistant US attorney Marc Litt leaves federal court in New York following a hearing for Bernard Madoff today.
Assistant US attorney Marc Litt leaves federal court in New York following a hearing for Bernard Madoff today.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
freethemall
Mar 12, 2009 3:39 AM CDT
When the price of stocks grows faster than the GPD, anyone who owns is playing with fire.
Guest
Mar 12, 2009 3:33 AM CDT
Is it Madoff or the continuously incompetent voters who keep ignoring how the government functions, ignoring the citizen's oversight role, and voting greedy idiots in who care only about cool jackets, a neato position, and hero worship.
Guest
Mar 12, 2009 1:56 AM CDT
Well, was it really Madoff, or the continuously incompetent federal employees we elect to oversee these people, companies and transactions? Sure; Madoff is criminal, but just take a look at the amount Bill Gates lost because of the government's lack of responsible oversight... and to my knowledge, he didn't invest with Madoff. Let's focus on putting more responsibly honest people in offices of leadership and fewer and fewer people like Bernie will get away with their crimes.

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