Did Your Portfolio Make 21% in ’21?

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Did your portfolio make 21% in ‘21?

As you begin to receive your 2021 annual reports & statements, one of the questions you should be asking yourself is, “how did I perform in 2021?”

Understanding your rate of return is important so up can compare how you stacked up against the global equity markets. By looking at four global indices:

  • S&P 500 (USA)
  • S&P TSX (Canada)
  • MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australasia, & Far East)
  • MSCI Emerging Markets (China, Russia, Brazil, India, etc.)

We can see their 2021 performance as follows.

 

2021 Index Returns

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Source: https://ycharts.com/

 

Performance

The US market led the way in 2021 with a stellar 28.71% performance.

Canada followed closely behind with a 25.09% rate of return.

Europe/Australasia had a good year finishing up 11.78%.

While Emerging Markets had a rough year posting a -2.22% rate of return.

 

Key takeaway

So, what is the takeaway? What can you deduce from this information?

If you had created a diversified portfolio across these indices, such as the Vanguard All-Equity Portfolio, you would have earned 21% in 2021.

 

2021 VEQT Returns

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Source: https://ycharts.com/

Did you make 21% in ’21?

So, if your investments returned 21% in ‘21, great! If they were nowhere near this number, you should figure out why.

There could be multiple reasons, but I would start by asking your advisor. If they do not give you a clear answer, fire your statement off to us, and we will be able to tell you where you could make improvements moving forward.

Happy 2022 Investing![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Retirement Planning Toolkit

Apply These Ideas to Your Own Retirement

If this article raised questions about when to retire, how to create income, or how taxes fit into your plan, our Retirement Planning Toolkit will help you think through your next steps with clarity.

It includes the same practical checklists and planning frameworks we use with clients to help create steady, tax-efficient income in retirement.

Trans Canada Wealth Management is a Winnipeg-based wealth management firm specializing in retirement planning for pre-retirees and retirees. The firm focuses on helping Canadians navigate retirement, investment, and tax decisions with clarity and confidence.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of Trans Canada Wealth Management and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.