Carlson: S&P 500 Tops Long-Term Investments Despite Crashes

Ben Carlson's Motley Fool podcast, released April 23, 2026, underscores the S&P 500 as the ultimate wealth-builder over multi-year horizons despite crashes. Through the 'Bob' parable, dollar-cost averaging delivers $2.3M at retirement versus $1.1M for worst-case timing over 40 years. Historical data—from the Great Depression's 86% drop requiring 615% recovery to worst 30-year returns of 8% annually—shows markets rebound, with 80% of 3-5 year periods positive. He advises diversification, avoiding timing, and horizons of 5-7+ years for equity exposure.