Like the answer below. But if you find you have a company that seems solid and
the stock is hammered, pick up more NOW. Definetly dump the losers, look at
their balance sheets and income statements and the outlook in general for that
sector. You probably just need to tweek it

I'd reassess my portfolio to see which ones will have predictable earnings over
the next 5 years. If any of these companies are dependent on wildcard factors,
then I would consider selling.

For an IRA, I am of the mentality that companies that pay good and steady
dividends should have a sizeable piece. IRA should have less risk than a garden
variety trading account. If you think sky's the limit with your stocks, then
stick with them. If you think the limit's the sky, then I suggest you look for
an exit point and take it.

got another way of looking at this ? . if you didn't own any stock right now,
would you buy these over anything else? you are where you are and these stnocks
are worth exactly what the market says they are worth today. they arn'r worth
what they were when you bought them. good luck, mike

owch. well, yes, i personally would get out, especially things in financials.
even in a theoretical world where they would 'come back', as it were, losing
positions are just killer to the psyche.

imagine if you were loaded up on gold in the early 80's, thinking that gold was
the reserve currency, paper money is useless (you know the arguments), and you
had to wait 20 years to 'break even'. and that story/argument never went away!

asking yousrelf how you wouldve felt holding onto that while everyone made
riches in technology stocks is a good question. most people cant handle it (and
those that say they can arent special, just especially stubborn).

most people, holding something that busted, for that long, wouldve probably
bailed in 1999-2000, as CSCO looks like it will take over the world. just in
time for the top, and the bottom in gold.

most people holding onto financials now, for the 'long haul', will probably
repeat this same action.