There’s an open secret in the investing world: You don’t have to embrace big risk in order to see huge gains if you’re willing to adopt a long-term approach. Consider that Microsoft stock delivered a total return of 1,200% over the last decade. The even less risky S&P 500 index posted a total return of roughly 300% across the same stretch, and it’s likely that patient investors who back strong companies will continue to enjoy impressive returns.