To The Moon

Over the past two days (as of April 4, 2025), the U.S. stock market has taken a brutal hit. The S&P 500 dropped 3.58%, while the Nasdaq plummeted nearly 6%, with a cumulative decline of 21%, officially entering a technical bear market (a drop of over 20%). Tech giants like Apple saw a staggering 10% single-day decline, with other heavyweights like NVIDIA and Tesla falling 7.36% and 10.42%, respectively. Panic has gripped the market, with the VIX (a measure of market volatility) hitting a 100% IV percentile, signaling peak fear. Investors are selling off in droves, and capital is fleeing the market. But as Warren Buffett famously said, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” For everyday people, this market crash could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build wealth.

1. Why This Is a Golden Opportunity for Everyday People

1. A “Golden Dip” from Market OverreactionThe current U.S. stock market crash isn’t entirely driven by deteriorating fundamentals. Instead, it’s fueled by a combination of fears: global trade war concerns sparked by Trump’s new tariff policies, worries about an economic recession, and a correction in overvalued tech stocks. On social media platforms like X, some analysts are calling this a “historic golden dip” for U.S. stocks between April and June (@leon_li2, 2025-04-03). History shows that panic-driven sell-offs often lead to undervalued quality assets. Take the 2008 financial crisis, for example: the S&P 500 bottomed out in March 2009 before kicking off a decade-long bull market. For everyday investors who buy low during these moments, the potential for massive returns in the future is real.

2. Low-Cost Tools Make Investing Accessible to EveryoneUnlike in the past, today’s everyday investors have access to affordable tools to participate in the U.S. stock market. ETFs (exchange-traded funds) like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (ranked ninth on the “Top Buys & Sells” list) are a great example. Despite a 5.80% drop, it has a 90% buy sentiment, showing that investors still believe in its long-term value. This ETF tracks the S&P 500, which includes 500 of America’s top companies, spreading out the risk of individual stocks—a perfect option for beginners. Many brokerage platforms (like Interactive Brokers or Charles Schwab) now offer commission-free trading, meaning you can start investing with just a few hundred dollars.

3. Tech Stocks Are Now a BargainTech stocks have been the backbone of the U.S. bull market, and while they’ve taken a beating, their long-term growth potential remains strong. Take NVIDIA, for instance: despite a 7.36% drop, it has a 70% buy sentiment, reflecting investor confidence in its future. NVIDIA’s leadership in the AI sector is unmatched, and the AI industry’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. For everyday people, buying into tech stocks or related ETFs (like the ProShares UltraPro QQQ) at these discounted prices could lead to significant gains in the coming years.

2. How Everyday People Can Seize This Opportunity

1. Stay Calm and Think Like a ContrarianWith the market in a state of panic, many investors are selling off their holdings—but this is exactly the time for everyday people to step in. History shows that market bottoms often coincide with peak fear. Instead of following the crowd, focus on undervalued quality assets. For example, the “Top Buys & Sells” list highlights Apple (down 7.29%, 54% buy sentiment) and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (down 5.80%, 90% buy sentiment) as potential opportunities worth considering.

2. Dollar-Cost Average to Manage RiskFor everyday people with limited funds, the market’s volatility can feel intimidating. A smart strategy is to use dollar-cost averaging—splitting your investment into smaller chunks and buying gradually as the market dips further. This approach lowers your average cost and reduces the risk of investing all at once. The market may not have fully bottomed out yet, but dollar-cost averaging allows you to ease into positions and take advantage of lower prices over time.

3. Pick the Right Investment Vehicles for You

• ETFs: The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is a great choice for those seeking steady, long-term growth. The S&P 500 has historically delivered an average annual return of about 10%, making it an ideal way for everyday people to grow their wealth.

• Individual Stocks: If you’re willing to take on more risk, consider tech stocks like NVIDIA or Tesla. These companies may be down now, but their long-term growth potential is undeniable.

• U.S. Dollar Assets: With the U.S. stock market in turmoil, the U.S. dollar may strengthen as a safe-haven asset. Everyday investors can hold U.S. dollar-based assets (like money market funds) to hedge against currency risks while preparing to invest in stocks.

4. Educate Yourself and Focus on Long-Term TrendsThe key to building wealth as an everyday investor is to focus on long-term trends, not short-term speculation. The current market dip is a perfect time to learn and research. Industries like AI, electric vehicles, and renewable energy are poised for growth over the next decade. By reading company reports and staying informed about industry trends, you can identify high-value investments to hold for the long haul.

3. Real-Life Success Stories of Everyday Investors

History is full of examples of everyday people building wealth during market downturns. During the 2008 financial crisis, an ordinary American investor put $10,000 into an S&P 500 ETF at the market’s bottom. Ten years later, that investment had grown to nearly $30,000, delivering an annualized return of over 10%. In China, after the 2015 stock market crash, many everyday investors bought into tech giants like Tencent or consumer staples like Kweichow Moutai at rock-bottom prices, later seeing returns of 5x or even 10x over the next few years.

The current U.S. stock market crash could offer a similar opportunity. Let’s say you buy NVIDIA at $150 per share today (a hypothetical price). If NVIDIA rebounds to $500 per share in the next three years—fueled by the AI boom—your investment would deliver over a 3x return. For everyday people, opportunities like this don’t come around often.

4. Risks to Watch Out For

While the opportunity is real, everyday investors should still proceed with caution:

• The Market May Not Have Bottomed Yet: U.S. stocks could face more downward pressure in the short term, so be prepared for volatility. Don’t panic if your investments dip further after you buy.

• Policy Uncertainty: Trump’s tariff policies could escalate, potentially worsening the global trade war and increasing the risk of a recession. Keep an eye on policy developments and be ready to adjust your strategy.

• Leveraged ETFs Are Risky: The “Top Buys & Sells” list includes leveraged ETFs like the Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X, which can deliver big gains but also come with massive volatility. These are not suitable for most everyday investors.

5. Final Thoughts: Everyday People Can Achieve Financial Success

The U.S. stock market’s recent crash may have sparked fear and uncertainty, but for everyday people, it’s a rare chance to change your financial future. As Warren Buffett wisely said, “The first rule of investing is don’t lose money, and the second rule is don’t forget the first rule.” By staying calm, choosing quality assets, investing gradually, and holding for the long term, you can turn this “golden dip” into a life-changing opportunity.

The market has just opened a door to wealth-building for everyday people. Are you ready to step through? Start today: set aside some spare cash, research quality investments, and take your first step toward financial freedom. The future you might just thank the present you for making this move!