>You are forgetting that in order for xyz to go from 20 to 50, lots and lots of people are putting their money into it.<
And that was my point - as long as the market is increasing, and over its history it continues to do so, there is "new" money coming into the game. Without this "new" money, individual stocks would go up and down but the market would remain the same and you point would be correct.
This "new" money coming in is why the stock market is different from the example of the poker game given with everyone starting with the same stake. In that example, taking a commission out on each hand would, indeed, be as called.
>It is possible for the price to go up and both buyer and seller lose.<
Certainly true - but your suggestion that every time a stock is sold, someone wins and someone loses does not hold.
>Why would anyone put their money in the markets?<
Is one to assume from this statement that you do not? :)
>All the individuals who come on these threads to brag, "I just made $5000 today, $20,000 last week and I don't see it ever changing," let us know how you're doing this time next year, if you're still here. The chances are overwhelming you won't be.<
I am missing how this relates to the original subject.
>Then anyone who is losing money MUST be a moron since, over time, you can't lose in a positive sum situation.<
Given enough time and unlimited resources you are correct - however one COULD wait a very long time for a head to come up in a coin flip.
jb
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