Why Volatility Also Matters

Diversification of assets is an prudent way to reduce risk in a portfolio. While the concept of diversification is important volatility is another factor that investors should focus on to generate higher returns. Why does volatility matter? The table shows the performance of two sample portfolios with both having an initial investment of $1.0 million: …

Continue reading ‘Why Volatility Also Matters’ »

Relative Size of World Stock Markets, end-1899 and end-2011

Here is an interesting chart showing the share of world stock markets at the end of 19th century and last year: Click to enlarge     The size of the stock markets of France and the UK declined significantly in the period shown due to both the countries losing their status as world superpowers. However …

Continue reading ‘Relative Size of World Stock Markets, end-1899 and end-2011’ »

Comparison of Real Equity Returns over a Century Between US, UK and Italy

Equities beat other asset classes such as bonds and short-term deposits over the long-term.Stocks not only yield higher returns than those asset classes but also yield higher returns on an inflation-adjusted basis. The following graphs for three developed markets over the course of a century proves this point: Real Equity Returns in US (top), UK …

Continue reading ‘Comparison of Real Equity Returns over a Century Between US, UK and Italy’ »