Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – In a candid discussion on the state of the economy, University of Virginia economics professor and Chief Economic Analyst Dr. Ed Burton reflected on the contrasting realities faced by Americans during a historic stock market rally. “From 6,000 to 44,000 in a scant 15 years,” Burton remarked about the Dow Jones’ dramatic ascent, calling it “the biggest stock market rally in the history of the world.” 

While acknowledging the stock market’s unprecedented success, Burton highlighted its disconnect from the average American’s economic reality. “For 70% of America, a lot of that rang hollow,” he said, pointing to inflation and rising costs of essentials such as groceries, healthcare, and education as challenges for middle- and lower-income households. “This has been a very difficult economy for, I would say, 60 to 70% of Americans.” 

Burton emphasized the need for less government intervention to reduce costs and urged Americans to invest early in the stock market for long-term financial stability. “Start buying stocks when you’re young, as soon as you can, and then pretend you don’t even know you own them, and don’t ever sell them,” he advised, describing the strategy as a pathway to wealth over decades. 

Listen here for the full conversation: