blaming decimals does seem baseless.
I do think decimals make it more difficult for traders. But I can't agree with a long term effect of decimals on longer time frames.
Investors who read Barrons want someone or something to blame for their stupid mistakes.
Long term investments was and is really easy imo, including the post bubble. People make stupid mistakes long term and I really don't understand them. OK the media does help, greed too and global bullishness.
However common sense protected those who just spend a little time thinking.
Trading is a total different story. And I lost big in the trading part of my capital after Naz 5000. I learned a lot though and the market was the best teacher for many traders. I saw it as a fantastic opportunity. Becoming profitable in the post 2000 era requires skill not luck.
Skills last much longer than luck.
If you bring back fractions, as a surrogate market maker I am sure to make even more, so I don't mind.
tntneo