Insiders and executives have profited handsomely during this mega-boom, but how have smaller shareholders fared, buffeted by the twin engines of greed and fear? Stocks make up an important part of any investor’s portfolio. These are shares in publicly-traded company that trade on an exchange. The percentage of stocks you hold, what kind of industries in which you invest, and how long you hold them depend on your age, risk toleranceand your overall investment goals. Discount brokersadvisors, and other financial professionals can pull up statistics showing stocks have generated outstanding returns for decades. However, holding the wrong stocks can just as easily destroy fortunes and deny shareholders more lucrative profit-making opportunities. Retirement accounts like k s and others suffered massive losses during that period, with account holders ages 56 to 65 taking the greatest hit because those approaching retirement typically maintain the highest equity exposure. That troubling ...