http://funds-newsletter.com/sept18-newsletter/sept18.htm Fear is a four letter word for most fund/ETF investors. While a certain amount of caution is always in order, fear of investing, especially at what you might envision will turn out to be the absolute worst time, may wind up costing you big time. This can readily turn out to be the case if you fail to consider the long-term picture and aren't able see yourself as willing, or, of the temperament to commit to a long-term journey when investing in stocks.