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REDDIT

Why can’t the stock market be flat for decades?

S
Jan 19, 2026 · 17:21

It seems stocks have been too much of a sure thing, and an index fund has for decades given about a 12-15% annual return. The Nikkei has meanwhile been flat for over 20+ years only recently breaking past its very old high. Could we soon be entering a period where stock indices in the US will behave more like Japan? Honestly not sure and curious to hear opinions