After a large drop in the Dow and S&P 500 index the pattern has been a partial rebound the following day or soon after once that ends the market may have asserted long-term values will remain at a lower level and for good reason perceptions were inflated for many years and the long-term outlook going forward is not promising. So, the players that can still play the game will be defensive, that means catching stocks on the way up and selling inventory at a slightly higher price to the next batch of buyers hoping to do the same. But in that case, the investment community, including the public, isnt there to propel those stocks much further and those stocks naturally sell off. The only thing that will matter for those that want meaningful returns is to have a keen sense of awareness of the companies that will rise to the top or continue to do well. And if you cant compete in that way, youre wishing that your shares rise in value for some reason, but thats not investing.