A SMART LOOK AT INVESTING
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How a long-term approach to stock investments pays off in spades

From 1950 to 2023, the S&P 500 index delivers an annual average total return of 11.4%

    • History shows that the longer you hold a stock investment, the better your chances of reaping a positive return.
    • History shows that the longer you hold a stock investment, the better your chances of reaping a positive return. PHOTO: PIXABAY
    Published Tue, Jul 16, 2024 · 05:37 PM

    INVESTING in stocks can be rewarding – if you are willing to hold them for the long term. But just how good can your returns be?

    According to JPMorgan, from 1950 to 2023, the S&P 500 index delivered an annual average total return of 11.4 per cent. To put that in dollar terms, US$100,000 invested would increase to a little under US$870,000 in 20 years.

    What if you invested in bonds instead? Over the same period above, bonds would produce a decent 5.3 per cent per annum in returns, but it’s less than half of what stocks can offer.

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