Stocks: I love the 70s? Or the 80s?

By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney
2009-5-6 12:46:59

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Disco or new wave? "Jaws" or "E.T.?" Reggie Jackson on the Oakland A's or California Angels? 1975 or 1982?

With the stock market in the midst of a massive two-month rally -- 35% since the March lows -- investors are wondering if this is going to be just a blip in a long bear market (like 1975) or the start of a new bull run (like 1982).

Of course, it's impossible to know at this point, and several savvy investing veterans are split on whether this rally is for real.

Bust out the polyester pants!

Barry Ritholtz, CEO and director of equity research at research firm Fusion IQ, isn't convinced the worst is over. He pointed out how after two terrible years for stocks in 1973 and 1974, the markets roared back in 1975 and 1976 -- only to fall again in 1977 and 1978 and be choppy right up until about 1982.

Ritholtz said that what's happening now has more similarities to the mid-1970s than the early 1980s.

	Investment Basic Investment Overview Investment Approache Fundamentals Data Investment Stories www.fxj108.com	Stocks: I love the 70s? Or the 80s? By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney 2009-5-6 12:46:59 NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Disco or new wave? "Jaws" or "E.T.?" Reggie Jackson on the Oakland A's or California Angels? 1975 or 1982? With the stock market in the midst of a massive two-month rally -- 35% since the March lows -- investors are wondering if this is going to be just a blip in a long bear market (like 1975) or the start of a new bull run (like 1982). Of course, it's impossible to know at this point, and several savvy investing veterans are split on whether this rally is for real. Bust out the polyester pants! Barry Ritholtz, CEO and director of equity research at research firm Fusion IQ, isn't convinced the worst is over. He pointed out how after two terrible years for stocks in 1973 and 1974, the markets roared back in 1975 and 1976 -- only to fall again in 1977 and 1978 and be choppy right up until about 1982. Ritholtz said that what's happening now has more similarities to the mid-1970s than the early 1980s.