This chart has on it almost all major world events going back to the start of this chart data, and the thing you will consistently see over the last 100+ years is the trend is up! Yes there are black swans, recessions, pullbacks and consolidation, but the macro trend is up. This is important to remember especially right now when everyone thinks that because debt ceiling is $17T, QE4 appears to have started, China/US trade wars and Yield curve inversions that we are headed to recession. I say plan for the next 100-500 years like the Chinese do, hopefully this chart opens some eyes.