Investment performance doesn't determine real-life returns; investor behavior does.
Stocks are a safe bet, but only if you stay invested long enough to ride out the . that squares with the facts, and with the historical record
Declines are temporary, gains are permanent.
In the long run, not doing what's necessary to do the thing you're afraid will hurt you, hurts infinitely worse than doing it.
Wealth is not determined by investment performance, but by investor behavior.
You have to pick what you're going to be worried about. Markets are volatile, but retirement is certain.