In 40 years, the Nasdaq 100 has risen in 33 years and only dropped in 7 years, with a 75% chance of going up. During every major crisis, the Nasdaq takes a sharp dive. But every time, it bounces back, often surging even higher afterward. The long-term annualized return is about 10.6%. Many people might think, 'Only 10%?' But that's 10.6% compounded. If you had invested $100,000 in 1986, it would now be $5.62 million. For most people, that's more than enough.