Dow Jones Industrial Average hits 14,000

[Sekhmets Daughter]

22. Profits have been rising steadily for quite some time...

Yes, expected future performance based on the most recent past earnings. C'mon, just because it is speculation, gambling if you will, doesn't change the fact that most of the component companies are multinationals. I wonder if the individual earnings in your 401K
make up for the cost of your prescriptions or health care/insurance. I'd be willing to bet they don't. Even if your employer is currently paying for part or all of your health insurance premium, that perk could go away sooner than you think. Auto workers now make less money than they did before GM was "rescued" are GM cars much cheaper than they were?

And that doesn't address the point that companies may resume hiring, but they are hiring at lower wages.... And many have laid off enormous numbers of workers over the past several years, so their hiring still doesn't make room for new people entering the workforce.
You think your 401K has given you a vested interest in the stock market, which is exactly what the owners of capital want you think. It's a ruse, a scheme to separate you from higher wages and guaranteed benefits. Had wages kept pace with productivity over the past 30 years, the median household income would be well over $90K rather than hovering at $50K.

Let's not forget the banks that brought about this mess, or the oil companies over charging you for gasoline.... You are way too complacent, but you're not alone, which is why there is little hope things will improve significantly.