Why Diversify? |
Here are several "periodic tables" that show how various asset classes performed over the past two decades. The Canadian tables show returns in CA$ and the US tables in US$.
Note that there is no discernible pattern as to which asset classes would outperform each year. Moreover no one was able to consistently predict the best asset classes for each year. These observations make a strong argument that one should diversify broadly among all major asset classes rather than try to guess which ones will do best every year. CanadaPeriodic Table of Annual Returns for Canadians [Stingy Investor] Shows relative returns of common asset classes, includind Real Return Bonds, in either nominal or real terms in Canadian dollars.Excel spreadsheet [right click to save] of annual returns, both nominal and real (inflation-adjusted) [Libra Investment Management] "Do you see a pattern in those returns that will help you decide what to invest in next year? If not, then consider a diversified portfolio rather than gambling on picking next year's winner."
"Why Diversify"
United StatesPeriodic Table of Investment Returns [Callan Associates] is a "representation of relative asset class performance over the last 20 years... ranked from best to worst. Each asset class is color-coded for easy tracking. Well-known, industry-standard market indexes are used as proxies for each asset class."
The Importance of Diversification
|