To the Editor: It seems like Eli Lilly already had its growth spurt and Charles Schwab is risky, as are all financials ("Growth Without AI: 8 Stock Picks," Cover Story, Sept. 11). We've just had a 17-year bull market that is up more than 1,000%-that is, tenfold. It could go higher, but we are at the point of diminishing returns. I would look to the energy sector, which is woefully underrepresented in the State Street SPDR S&P 500 exchange-traded fund in relation to its historical weighting.

Ray Noack On Barrons.com

Trapped Retirees

To the Editor: Retirees can't put too much money in stocks because a prolonged market decline could jeopardize their retirement, but safer fixed-income investments often fail to keep pace with inflation ("If Stripped-Down Investing Leaves You Feeling Exposed, Try These for Cover," Streetwise, Sept. 11). As the government continues to run massive deficits and the Federal Reserve allows inflation to persist, retirees lose purchasing power. In short, financially responsible retirees are paying the price for Washington's reckless spending and failure to control inflation.

Kyle Cooper On Barrons.com

Fixing Social Security

To the Editor: Regarding "There's a Simple Fix for Social Security. Will Congress Get on Board?" (Retirement, Sept. 9): A simple but partial solution might be to reduce the 8% annual increase for each year of waiting to collect Social Security. Why not match that annual percentage increase to what government bonds are paying, say 10-year Treasury notes for each year? Presently, the notes are paying 4.97%. That eliminates a gap that must be filled by taxes.

Thomas Lupinacci Arlington, Texas

Defining Success

To the Editor: KBW CEO Thomas B. Michaud's remembrance wasn't just about loss and survival but also relationships, community, and human capital ("Reflecting on 9/11: 'We Witnessed Some of the Very Best Humanity Has to Offer,' " Other Voices, Sept. 11). He reminds us of the value of goodwill, helping others, and taking responsibility. In these times of distrust, it's refreshing to be reminded that success is earned, not bought.

Patty Duffy Grand Blanc, Mich.

Equinor

To the Editor: Conspicuous by its absence is Norwegian company Equinor, the largest and most important natural-gas driller and supplier in Europe ("12 Energy Stocks for Dividend Investors as Oil Prices Rise," Income Investing, Sept. 10). It pays a 3.4% dividend yield.

Lawrence Bonner On Barrons.com

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