The lost lifetime

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$1 in 1929 = $12.3475 today
DJIA peak in 1929: 381.17
In 2009 $, that's 4706.5
DJIA right this minute: 6890.25

Over 80 years, inflation adjusted total return = 46.4%
Annual inflation adjusted return = 0.4776%

Less fees, taxes, etc.



Typical Fidelity ad: If you invest $10,000 when you are 22, it will be worth $1 million when you retire at 70*.

* assuming a 10% annual return, not adjusted for inflation.