My dad seems to think that money lost in the market is lost FOREVER.. His example for this is, you have 100,000$ in your portfolio.. it goes to $50,000.. that money is gone forever... I told him many things effect the price of the stock, and therefore, your accounts worth.. (splits can change stock price, sell outs, owners taking money out due to catalysts, etc.).. He said come on Aaron it's basic economics... I'm really not following how money DISAPPEARS, I can only imagine it getting moved around...

So, I don't know if I'm the ignorant one or he is. Clarity to the question, please.

Thanks..