[Epa095]

The S&P500 has increased 9.8% annually the last 100 years, roughly 6% annually adjusted for inflation. Yes, past performance is no guarantee for future, but historically a completely passive index placement of wealth into S&P500 would double the real (adjusted for inflation) wealth every 12 years. With absolutely no work.

[__turbobrew__]

Also, if you are wealthy enough you can just wait out any economic downturn. Hell, Im not even that wealthy and it would have to get really bad before I would be forced to sell in a down market.