I don't trust the stock market...

Malthusian

JohnWinder said:

Savings accounts returns seem to have kept up with inflation in US. Here's the view from a slightly different perspective: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=345536&p=5937085#p5937085

The graphs show the complete opposite, that money market funds and short-term treasuries (slightly different thing to a cash account) have not kept up with inflation since interest rates hit rock bottom in 2008. Pretty much as you'd expect.

They delivered above-inflation growth from the 70s to the turn of the millennium, but economic conditions were so different that I don't see any relevance to an investor today.

JohnWinder

Good observation, notwithstanding that cherry picking dates can alter results. But as you say that graph looks like about 2009-10 was the peak when losses to inflation started seriously, and in the ensuing eleven-ish years the loss of purchasing power seems to be about 15%. Losing 1.5%/year to inflation is what it is; not 'the end of the world', or 'terrible', depending on your circumstances.

John464

Malthusian said:

(cash) delivered above-inflation growth from the 70s to the turn of the millennium, but economic conditions were so different that I don't see any relevance to an investor today.

Yes indeed, and I can't see it going back to that, nor should it.
If investors can get a real return on 100% safe cash savings they won't invest in industry and create real wealth.
In any case, UK Government has borrowed so much money they will keep interest rates as low as possible and default through inflation.