[oceanghost]

So the folks who own all the stocks want the government to bid up their assets?

[huytersd]

Yes, just like with the 401k. Get pretty much every working individual in America heavily invested in stock assets by default. During even a reasonable market it’s a win win win for everyone involved. Companies make more money, people get high returns on their money, employment is higher and the government doesn’t have to guarantee anyone’s pension. The downside is an extended bear market can collapse the entire system.

[jewayne]

It's definitely a win for the financial industry. They make way more in fees than they ever did from the pension funds. I would love to see the evidence for the statements "(non-financial) companies make more money", "people (broadly) get high returns on their money", and "employment is higher".

[charlie0]

Nah, if I've learned anything, it's that the money printers will turn on at the first sight of major trouble and everyone (some, more than others) will pay with inflation.

[silisili]

This is another ponzi system like social security, that only works with an evergrowing population. These are not sustainable long term.