As the year comes to a close, it’s fitting that we take a moment to reflect on recent market lessons. But, you know we’ll never focus on any one year, so let’s consider the four most recent decades from 1975 through 2015. This captures nearly all of the investing lives of our clients. Here’s a summary of data taken at the beginning of each of the 10-year time periods.

Data Chart - 1975-2015

TAKEAWAYS

• The U.S. Real GDP more than tripled while the population only increased 49%, meaning real GDP per capita rose dramatically.

• The S&P 500 increased more than twenty times while consumer prices rose four and a half times.

It’s hard to believe the amount of growth we’ve experienced, especially having lived through 9/11 and the great recession in ’07-’09. Our suggestion: Take this opportunity to remind yourself of these facts, stick to a long-term investment plan, and get on with whatever brings you joy in the year ahead. We’ve achieved a lot, and we may just be getting started.

 

Hill Investment Group