Conservative investments like savings accounts, CDs, and Treasuries are commonly thought of as safe. But, stocks could be a safer option for long-term investors. Although stock prices fluctuate, the S&P 500 index has never lost money over any 20-year rolling period. Even during tough financial times, the index has shown consistent growth.

Ultra-conservative investments guarantee your money back, but may not keep up with inflation. For example, a 10-year CD with a 5% interest rate may not beat inflation. In contrast, the S&P 500 historically has shown robust growth, potentially doubling an investment over 10 years. Taxes and inflation can erode the returns from conservative investments.

Past performance of the S&P 500 doesn’t ensure future results. Short-term losses are possible, but long-term growth is likely due to the index’s representation of the American economy. While market cycles and recessions occur, the overall trend is long-term growth. Remaining invested in the S&P 500 could lead to significant gains over time, despite short-term fluctuations.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Want an Investment That Never Loses Money? Try Stocks!