#2 depends on time horizon. Getting 3% above inflation is better than losing ~2% per year to inflation. With the former, over 30 years, you're doubling your pur

#2 depends on time horizon. Getting 3% above inflation is better than losing ~2% per year to inflation. With the former, over 30 years, you're doubling your purchasing power. Over 30 years you'd be very surprised and unlucky not to make a positive return with a globally diversified stock portfolio