Basically, they are outperforming with inflationary $ system. 1$ is not the same 1$ 10 or 20 years ago. Stocks are keeping their value better than $. Yes, some of them are steadily growing but some of them just grows with the same rate as inflation. This creates a "magical" outperforming illusion. $ is not like Bitcoin. If we compare Bitcoin with stocks, we can see real growth.