
The “Lost Decade” Myth: What Really Happens When Markets Flatline
In finance, few phrases sound as scary as a “lost decade.” This term usually refers to a ten-year period where the stock market seems to go nowhere, leaving investors with zero gains. When people talk about this, they often point to the years between 2000 and 2009, when the S&P 500 started and ended at nearly the same price. However, many financial experts argue that the lost decade is largely a myth. While it is true that stock prices can stay flat for long periods, the experience for an actual investor is often very different. Understanding what really happens during these “flat” times can help people stay calm and keep their money growing even when the news looks bad. Price vs. Total Return The biggest reason the lost decade is considered a myth is the difference between “price return” and “total return.” When you look at a stock chart on the news, you are usually seeing the price return. This shows only the change in the stock’s price. If a stock starts the decade at $100 and ends at $100, the price return is 0%. But most successful companies do not just sit on their cash; they pay a portion














































