No, we don't "eat" your money, if we "eat" your money surely I'll be driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini right now... to know how PNB works, you've got to have a LONG TERM view... that's how we survive. Average equity market return for the last 20 years is about 11% and after 2 years of above average return (2006 & 2007), this year we will probably record a negative return. BUT contrary to what ppl believe this maybe the right time to 'collect' all the good stocks as the valuation are compelling enough... 2-3 years down the road when inflation has tapered off, US starts to get their financial system up and running again, they'll maybe winners again... and again.