Indices and Benchmarks – Q4 2013
Reviewing the returns of indices and benchmarks is useful for comparing how your portfolio performed when viewing your latest statement.
A portfolio is made up of several components based upon your risk profile. For example, a balanced portfolio might have 5% cash, 45% bonds and 50% equities. The Canada Pension Plan portfolio has about 50% in equities, 16.9% in real estate (and infrastructure) assets and 33.1 % in fixed income (plus other debt).
Major Index Returns as of December, 2013
(source Provisus Monthly Insight – Market Data – 31 December 2013)
- Bonds – represented by the DEX Universe -1.2%
- Equities
- Canadian equities represented by TSX +13 %
- US Equities represented by the S&P 500 +41.9 % ($Cdn)
- EAFE (Europe, Australasia and far East) +32.6 % ($Cdn)
For comparison purposes, I looked at two typical mutual fund groups to give you perspective on your own portfolio’s performance over the past year.
The Average Canadian Equity Balanced Peer Group return for 1 year was +13.19% (as of December 31, 2013 source: www.Globeadvisor.com) . This calculation is simply the average of all the Canadian Balanced Equity funds in Canada. The portfolio would be about 40% bond and 60% equity.
The Average Global Equity Balanced Peer Group return for 1 year was + 17.93% (as of December 31, 2013 source: www.Globeadvisor.com). This portfolio has less Canadian Equity (compared to the Average Canadian Balanced Equity Peer Group) and increased equity weighting in international markets (typically equally divided between US and EAFE).
I recommend you review your risk profile at least annually to determine if it’s still appropriate. As a certified financial planner, I do this at the client’s annual review and make changes as appropriate. We also discuss any major life changes and how they may impact your retirement income plan or risk management plan.
Learn more about portfolio indices and benchmarking
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Disclaimer: “Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.”
