I don't understand this. I've been investing for 5 years and i've not been getting positive returns. I'm just thinking about those FA saying "invest in the long term and compounding etc".

Maybe jus stick to tbill and FD if you jus lack the

Maybe if you expose your actual transactions fees etc, we can see the issue right there and then. You can't be down when you have invested for at least 5 years. If so then there is something wrong with your investment. Like high transaction fees, 1% to 5% sales charge etc

"... in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” by Benjamin Franklin. Many a time, luck counts. No guaranteed wins. Manage your downsides and pray hard that when you liquidate the investment, the timing is unlike the current.

That's the exact reason why its important to diversify into different forms of asset classes to mitigate risks.

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Take a look at the current context. Prices of equity market is surpressed but on the other hand, yields of SSBs and T-bills are faring so well (giving guaranteed returns too) but once interest rates start to taper and normalise and companies are able to better manage their financing costs, smart money will return to the equity market accordingly.

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That being said, its important to invest using the right tools. That's also the reason why I personally avoid putting my money into any investment vehicles that require annual service / management fees. If you go for a low-risk / return product, your gains can barely cover the fees. If you go for a higher-risk / return product, with price volatility over a 10-year holding period, it'll negate your returns also.