Quote from bln:
No, you got it wrong. He is earning 6% risk free over a +5 year period. Some years will be above, some years will be below, on average 6%
The returns of one single year is irrelevant.
The second ignorant thing you've said. Sequence of returns is EXTREMELY important. *sigh* this site is becoming more and more ridiculous. Can't believe I have to actually explain this but for your education 10% a year for 10 years is much much better return then 0% 9 years and 100% the last year. The returns of one single year is absolutely NOT irrelevant.
Even more so for a retiree that relies on their returns for expenses.