While the number does represent "paper" wealth, it is a fair measure of purchasing potential. For example if you have $1m in stocks, at that point in time you c

While the number does represent "paper" wealth, it is a fair measure of purchasing potential. For example if you have $1m in stocks, at that point in time you can sell the stocks and buy $1m worth of goods. If that number drops to $500k then you only have the ability to purchase that value.