Since 1928, the S&P has risen 5506%[1]. Over the same period, the dollar has lost 93% of its purchasing power. If you put a dollar on the market in 1928, it would be worth $808 (1928 dollars). A dollar under the mattress is instead worth $0.07 (1928 dollars). Investing had a return 11500-fold greater than hoarding cash.
Since 1928, the S&P has risen 5506%[1]. Over the same period, the dollar has lost 93% of its purchasing power. If you put a dollar on the market in 1928, it would be worth $808 (1928 dollars). A dollar under the mattress is instead worth $0.07 (1928 dollars). Investing had a return 11500-fold greater than hoarding cash.
[1]http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/...
[2]http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/