Stats Long run returns Long run returns

$100 in US stocks since 1928 became $1,157,599, cash $2,578

AssetValue of $100 invested in 1928
S&P 500$1,157,599
Gold$21,025
10 year Treasuries$7,753
3 month T bills$2,578

Equities produced 55 times what gold did and 149 times what ten year Treasuries did. Source: NYU Stern, Damodaran, annual returns 1928 to 2025.

US stocks, bonds, bills and gold have all been measured on the same basis since 1928. Stocks compounded at nearly ten percent a year, roughly double the others. Over ninety eight years that gap is two orders of magnitude of final wealth.

$1,157,599$100 in US stocks
$2,578$100 left in cash
9.79%Stocks, annualised
about 6.9%After inflation

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