At the beginning of last year (2007), my father and I had a discussion about the stock market. He was told by his broker that they are expecting the stock market (Mainly the Dow Jones Industrial Average) to hit 18,000-19,000. I laughed at him, and he looked at me funny.

I told him that the market would go up to 14,000... Possibly 14,500. However it is going to plateau, and go down to about 12,000. I think we'll have a good Christmas this year, and we'll end the year around 13,000 give or take 300.

I was pretty darn close.

However, I just took on a "mini" bet with my Accounting instructor. I told her that I foresee the DJIA ending the year at about 10,000 this year. However, she feels that the market will remain about flat for the rest of the year until the election and then will go up to about 13,000.

So, I am curious to see from you what you think the Stock Market (at least the DJIA) will do for the rest of this year?

I am also estimating that the DJIA will end 2009 at about 7,500. However, I may change that if I am wrong this year(I don't think I am), or if something major changes within the economy. I also am going to venture a guess that by the start of 2010, we're going to have double-digit unemployment, and will be at the beginning of a second Great Depression if things don't change. I'm not one who likes to think negatively, but looking at all the numbers, and the facts... it is quite possible especially if we don't get change going now.

Again, what do you think?