I have been a stock market investor for 35 years and believe in buy and hold to this day.

Here's why:

1. Avoids the tendency to be a euphoric trader buying at the tops and selling at the bottoms. Chances for a 10 bagger are greatly diminished by being a trader.

2. Long term investors selectively add to portfolio when others are panicking.

3. Fundamentals STILL RULE. Stock prices of individual companies generally perform in line with earnings over the LONG TERM.

4. No matter what the traders are doing, a stock price will reflect the growing value of a business as earnings re-inflate, balance sheet strengthens, and prospects continue to brighten.

5. Finally, there has NEVER been a decade of stock market UNDERPERFORMANCE (like just passed) that was NOT FOLLOWED BY A STONG DECADE OF STOCK PERFORMANCE.

6. The next decade will be the decade for stocks, don't trade out and miss the terrific ride coming.

Of course, JMHO.

BTW, I belive HRP and many of the other office REIT's will not only return to their former highs ... but will go beyond. The number one reason is that the spigot for new development has been turned off. Eventually office demand will exceed supply, rents will go up, FFO will go up, and dividends will go up as mandated by REIT regulations. Trading out of HRP will bring you into the land of regrets on what could have been a nice growing stream of retirement income for years to come.

GT