> why would I sink my money into any kind of risky venture when the market keeps spitting out 15% a year returns on safe investments If it returns 15% it isn't

> why would I sink my money into any kind of risky venture when the market keeps spitting out 15% a year returns on safe investments If it returns 15% it isn't a safe investment. The rate of return for a safe investment is in the 1-3% real range. Someone is offering you 15% real that implies they think it is a risky enterprise to sign on with. 15% nominal isn't so hard to find (gold yields at 10% nominal - but that isn't actually coming out ahead as much as treading water). It isn't a very impressive nominal rate of return in that sense but it is still not all that safe.