I think its all a scam, lol. You can argue this is safe and what not but look at the people who have no retirement. Blame the people, right, for their choices, but we are arguing what investments are good for us.
Corporate bonds can and do fail. Stocks tank. Logistically it sounds all great, buy low and sell high, but does this happen on reality. Who has the time to play the markets on top of their full time job. Yes it is fun. But I can say that I have invested in the markets for over 10 years and I did a great job then had a mistake. My eggs were not in one basket but it takes your profits away. In the end, I guess I can only thank luck for success. Considering all of the stress, time and risk involved, was it worth it? Well I think not.
With that being said, I dont like the markets. Housing is different as you can borrow the money and you can live in it. But I dont think you can argue capital growth because its like if I sold my stock on the highest day then I would be very high, but that day has come and gone and not to return. Once you realize your profit, then you can calculate your return. Until then, its all speculation.