Last year was both financially and emotionally trying on investors. All three major U.S. stock indexes turned in their worst performance in 14 years, with the growth-focused Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) bringing up the caboose. The index responsible for lifting the broader market to record highs in 2021 lost a third of its value last year.

While nothing quite prepares investors for a major stock index shedding 33% of its value in 12 months, there is a silver lining: No matter how painful short-term downdrafts are in the market, they're always, eventually, erased by a bull market rally. For investors with time on their side, bear markets are a golden buying opportunity.

Image source: Getty Images.

Continue reading

Source Fool.com