That makes sense and was what I suspected these people were basing their opinion from. Doesn't make sense as an argument to me but I get it, thank you.If depends on your individual circumstances. If you don't have any money in the stock market, then how well it's doing doesn't help you. But if you have a significant investment, then the increases in dividends and capital gains far outpace your increases in cost of living. (And this includes 401(k) and IRA retirement funds if you have a large amount invested.)