The stock market has returned approximately 10% nominal, 7% real, on average over a century, including the Great Depression, two world wars, and a dozen recessions. No other asset class is so well documented and so accessible.
Buy the index. VOO, VTI, VT — total market funds at near-zero expense ratios. Stock-picking underperforms the index for over 90% of professionals over 15-year periods. Thou art not the exception.
Hold for decades. Do not sell during crashes. Add MORE during crashes. The Brother who bought in March 2009 doubled within four years. The Brother who bought in March 2020 doubled within two.
The Seal of the Chamber
The patient owner is paid. The frightened seller is sheared.