I like to use AI for my research. Here are some AI generated facts in regard to the number of listed exchange stocks in USA. *****AI Overview The number of US public stocks has dropped drastically: from around 8,000+ in the 1990s (peaking near 8,800 in 1997) down to roughly 4,000-4,900 by late 2024/2025, representing a decline of about 50% due to regulatory costs, M&A, and private capital alternatives, with a trend continuing into 2025. 1990s (Peak Era)
~8,000 - 8,800+ Companies: The US stock market had significantly more publicly listed companies, peaking around 1997.
2025 (Current Trend)
~4,000 - 4,900 Companies: The number has roughly halved since the late 90s.
Wilshire 5000: Even broad indexes show this, with the Wilshire 5000 dropping from 5,000 to around 3,600 stocks.
Specific Exchanges (2025): Nasdaq had about 3,450, NYSE ~2,200, and OTC ~6,500 listings.
Why the Decline?
Regulatory Burden: Post-Sarbanes-Oxley, compliance costs have deterred companies from going public or staying public.
The issue with Aunt IRMAA is that once you hit a certain dollar amount one finds oneself kicked up into the the next much higher payment level. For example, our income was $12 above the next payment level for IRMAA triggering an additional $140 per month. If the Aunt IRMAA increase were similar to marginal tax bracket increases it would seem fair (to me). Now, I see we are nearing the next higher IRMAA level. It would be frustrating to earn a few extra dollars in income but need to pay hundreds more per year as a result.
If there is any truth to the presidential cycle theory then next year will be the 2nd year for this president and could inflict a major market downturn.
I think a method to use to keep people working longer is for the federal government to offer a $2000 tax credit against federal income taxes for anyone working full time past their 65th year. Some states with low unemployment rates could offer a similar tax credit against state income taxes.
More important than the dividend is the corporation's payout percentage. When reviewing a stock I always check the payout ratio. Personally, I prefer companies that have less than a 50% payout ratio. I don't understand how some companies cannot cover the shareholder dividend payment from free cash flow and do not suspend or cut the dividend.
I live in a 55+ development and find a good number of my fellow neighbors are driving fancy high priced vehicles, such as the Bentley, Porsches, and Mercedes What some of them do is rent the vehicle for a few years to enjoy the car. After they get the Bentley out of their system the leasee will move onto another fancy automobile.
Well, I'll be damned! It turns out to be one hell of a great country in which to live, after all. As a baby boomer, I think there is always opportunity in this great nation. Regardless of our occasional economic dislocations this is the best economic machine that mankind has been able to develop, so far. I am still in disbelief that our unemployment rate is below 4% for so long.
Comments
Our HOA fees increase a flat 10%.
Post: The condo, HOA, senior citizen conundrum
Link to comment from April 19, 2026
It is good not to have any debt.
Post: The $8,000 Cost of Peace of Mind
Link to comment from January 20, 2026
I like to use AI for my research. Here are some AI generated facts in regard to the number of listed exchange stocks in USA. *****AI Overview The number of US public stocks has dropped drastically: from around 8,000+ in the 1990s (peaking near 8,800 in 1997) down to roughly 4,000-4,900 by late 2024/2025, representing a decline of about 50% due to regulatory costs, M&A, and private capital alternatives, with a trend continuing into 2025. 1990s (Peak Era)
- ~8,000 - 8,800+ Companies: The US stock market had significantly more publicly listed companies, peaking around 1997.
2025 (Current Trend)- ~4,000 - 4,900 Companies: The number has roughly halved since the late 90s.
- Wilshire 5000: Even broad indexes show this, with the Wilshire 5000 dropping from 5,000 to around 3,600 stocks.
- Specific Exchanges (2025): Nasdaq had about 3,450, NYSE ~2,200, and OTC ~6,500 listings.
Why the Decline?Post: The Incredible Shrinking — Stock Market?
Link to comment from December 17, 2025
The issue with Aunt IRMAA is that once you hit a certain dollar amount one finds oneself kicked up into the the next much higher payment level. For example, our income was $12 above the next payment level for IRMAA triggering an additional $140 per month. If the Aunt IRMAA increase were similar to marginal tax bracket increases it would seem fair (to me). Now, I see we are nearing the next higher IRMAA level. It would be frustrating to earn a few extra dollars in income but need to pay hundreds more per year as a result.
Post: IRMAA 2026 Of course it is fair
Link to comment from November 2, 2025
If there is any truth to the presidential cycle theory then next year will be the 2nd year for this president and could inflict a major market downturn.
Post: Is The Stock Market Overvalued?
Link to comment from October 18, 2025
I think a method to use to keep people working longer is for the federal government to offer a $2000 tax credit against federal income taxes for anyone working full time past their 65th year. Some states with low unemployment rates could offer a similar tax credit against state income taxes.
Post: Worried? Concerned? Confident? About the future of Social Security and Medicare
Link to comment from March 25, 2025
Realize that if you ar born in the United States that you have already won the lottery. The rest is up to you!
Post: What life lessons would you like to pass on to the next generation?
Link to comment from November 23, 2024
More important than the dividend is the corporation's payout percentage. When reviewing a stock I always check the payout ratio. Personally, I prefer companies that have less than a 50% payout ratio. I don't understand how some companies cannot cover the shareholder dividend payment from free cash flow and do not suspend or cut the dividend.
Post: Don’t Dis Dividends
Link to comment from November 9, 2024
I live in a 55+ development and find a good number of my fellow neighbors are driving fancy high priced vehicles, such as the Bentley, Porsches, and Mercedes What some of them do is rent the vehicle for a few years to enjoy the car. After they get the Bentley out of their system the leasee will move onto another fancy automobile.
Post: Quinn is considering buying a Bentley
Link to comment from September 8, 2024
Well, I'll be damned! It turns out to be one hell of a great country in which to live, after all. As a baby boomer, I think there is always opportunity in this great nation. Regardless of our occasional economic dislocations this is the best economic machine that mankind has been able to develop, so far. I am still in disbelief that our unemployment rate is below 4% for so long.
Post: Youth May Triumph
Link to comment from May 17, 2024