“Publicly traded companies in Massachusetts have lost nearly $200 billion in value since the stock market peaked a year ago, a historic decline that has taken a heavy toll on most of the state’s key industries, including the financial, high-tech, and life sciences sectors. The 39 percent drop in the companies’ stocks mirrors the 40 percent decline in the Dow Jones industrial average and the 43 percent erosion of the S&P 500, according to the Bloomberg index of 234 Massachusetts firms. Only a dozen local stocks have increased in value since Oct. 9, 2007. ‘It’s certainly sobering to all of us,’ said Brian Gilmore, executive vice president of public affairs for Associated Industries of Massachusetts, a trade group.” (10/12/08)