As much as we enjoy Wall Street's ups, the downs are a normal part of the investing cycle. Last year, all three major U.S. stock indexes fell into a bear market, with the growth-dependent Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) really taking it on the chin. The index most responsible for pulling the broader market to new highs in 2021 shed 33% of its value last year.

But for investors with time on their side, there's good news: Eventually, every sizable decline in the major indexes -- including the Nasdaq Composite -- has eventually been cleared away by a bull market. It effectively means that every bear market provides an opportunity to scoop up innovative businesses at a discount.

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Source Fool.com