Americans own more stocks than ever — but experts warn of a ‘red flag.’ Do this before your nest egg gets ‘downshifted’

Market Sentiment - Concerns about U.S. stock market valuations are rising, with 91% of fund managers believing stocks are overvalued, the highest since 2001 [1] - Veteran investor Jim Rogers has sold all his U.S. stocks, indicating a lack of confidence in the market [1] - Rob Anderson notes that record levels of stock ownership historically coincide with increased risk of downturns [2] Stock Market Performance - The S&P 500 has returned over 251% in the past decade, while the Nasdaq Composite has surged about 375% [2] - Current stock ownership among Americans has reached an all-time high, with 45% of household financial assets in stocks [2][3] - Economists warn that the high share of equities is a red flag, suggesting potential future downturns [3] Investment Strategies - Gold is highlighted as a safe haven during market downturns, with Ray Dalio emphasizing its importance in a resilient portfolio [5][6] - Historical data shows that gold prices surged nearly 25% during the 2008 financial crisis, reinforcing its role as a protective asset [7] - Gold IRAs are presented as a way to invest in gold while benefiting from tax advantages [8] Real Estate Investment - Real estate is noted for its ability to generate passive income even in downturns, making it a viable investment option [9] - Warren Buffett has expressed strong interest in real estate, indicating its value as a productive asset [10] - Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow for easier access to real estate investments with minimal capital [11] Art Investment - Investing in art is becoming more accessible, with platforms like Masterworks allowing investment in shares of high-value artwork [15][16] - The art market has shown significant appreciation, with a notable collection selling for $1.5 billion [15] - Masterworks has successfully distributed approximately $61 million back to investors, highlighting the profitability of art investments [17]