Core Insights - Investing in low-cost, diversified ETFs can help individuals achieve financial independence and retirement goals [1][2] - A disciplined approach to investing, including managing market volatility and making informed choices, is essential for long-term success [1] ETF Recommendations - **Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)**: Offers exposure to the entire U.S. stock market with over 3,500 stocks and an expense ratio of 0.03%, making it a cost-effective choice for investors [5][6] - **Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)**: Focuses on companies with a history of increasing dividends for at least 10 consecutive years, providing a balance of income and growth potential with a current dividend yield of 1.6% [7][8] - **Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)**: Mirrors the Nasdaq-100 index, primarily investing in large non-financial companies, with a significant portion in technology stocks, making it a suitable option for those seeking tech exposure [9][11]

Group 1 - TQP Research is led by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with experience in structured finance and banking [1] - The firm adopts a value-oriented investment approach, focusing on businesses that align with long-term success criteria established by notable investors like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger [1] - Investment topics include market analysis, macroeconomic trends, large-cap blue chip companies, and undervalued micro-cap and small-cap stocks [1] Group 2 - TQP Research actively engages with the community and encourages questions and ideas from members [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Nasdaq Composite has entered correction territory, defined as a decline of at least 10% from a recent high, raising investor concerns about potential trade wars and economic recession [1] Market Behavior - Market corrections are normal, and the uncertainty surrounding tariffs may not last, suggesting that panic selling is not advisable [2] - Timing the market is nearly impossible, making it difficult for investors to enter and exit at optimal times [2] Bear Market Insights - Bear markets, defined as a decline of 20% or more, tend to be shorter than bull markets, averaging less than 10 months in duration [3] - Historically, during the first month of a new bull market, stocks have risen by an average of nearly 14%, with returns exceeding 25% in the first three months [3] Historical Context - The bear market following the 1987 crash lasted only three months, while the COVID bear market lasted just over a month [4] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to view market downturns as buying opportunities and to consider a dollar-cost averaging strategy, investing a fixed dollar amount at regular intervals regardless of market conditions [6][7] - Utilizing an exchange-traded fund (ETF) like the Invesco Nasdaq 100 ETF is recommended over picking individual stocks during this strategy [8] ETF Overview - The Invesco Nasdaq 100 ETF consists of the 100 largest non-financial stocks on the Nasdaq, with approximately 60% of its index comprised of technology stocks [9] - The ETF's top holdings include major companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, with respective weightings of 9.7%, 7.9%, and 7.4% [10] Performance Metrics - The Invesco ETF has shown a cumulative return of over 407% over the past 10 years, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which gained 239% during the same period [11] - The ETF has outperformed the S&P 500 87% of the time based on rolling monthly returns as of the end of 2024 [11] Conclusion - Current market conditions present a favorable opportunity for dollar-cost averaging into the Invesco Nasdaq 100 ETF to establish an attractive cost basis in anticipation of a market rebound [12]