Many companies featured on Money advertise with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and
in-depth research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more about how we make money.

  2. Investing

What Are the Risks With Stocks?

Published: May 21, 2014

Stocks carry a much greater risk of short-term losses than bonds or cash (the other two major asset classes). Since World War II, Wall Street has endured eleven bear markets (defined as a sustained decline of more than 20% in the value of the Dow Jones industrial average). As a result, it's generally not a good idea to invest in stocks money that you'll need to spend within five years or so.