Many people have become familiar with the
basics of investing and have developed their skills as investors
participating in retirement plans such as 401(k)s at work, individual
retirement accounts (IRAs), and college savings plans. For many,
the sterling returns of the 1990s bull market reinforced their positive view of what investing
could mean to their financial security.
Further, the high media profiles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve, which oversee the securities industry and the
banking system respectively, have reinforced the public's
confidence in the integrity and stability of American securities
markets.
Jeremy Siegel, The Wharton School 
