How did your portfolio do in 2021?

Did Your Portfolio Make 21% in ’21?

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

2021 Index Returns

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

2021 VEQT Returns

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!

Colin Sabourin is a Winnipeg-based investment & financial advisor with Harbourfront Wealth Management. His specialty is working with farmers who are planning to sell or transition their farms within the next 5 to 10 years. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of Colin Sabourin, Certified Financial Planner, and Investment Advisor, and not necessarily those of Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.