The Historical Investment Returns of Global Core Assets

As William Sharpe said, the key to successful investing relies 85% on proper asset allocation, 10% on the precise selection of investment objectives, and the remaining 5% on the favor of fate.

Undoubtedly, asset allocation significantly affects the returns of our investment portfolios. Therefore, wise investors should construct a portfolio that matches their risk tolerance.

Below is the historical yield data of the world’s most core assets.

As of the end of 2025, the annualized average returns over the past five years are as follows:

- S&P 500 Index: 14.4%

- Nasdaq 100 Index: 15.2%

- Information Technology Index (VGT): 17.1%

- U.S. Real Estate: 6%

- Gold: 17.3%

- CSI 300 Index: 0.1%

- Short-term U.S. Treasury Bonds: 3.2%

Over the past ten years, their annualized average returns are:

- S&P 500 Index: 14.8%

- Nasdaq 100 Index: 19.5%

- Information Technology Index (VGT): 22.6%

- U.S. Real Estate: 7%

- Gold: 14.6%

- CSI 300 Index: 4.6%

- Short-term U.S. Treasury Bonds: 1.9%

The annualized average returns over the past fifteen years are as follows:

- S&P 500 Index: 14.0%

- Nasdaq 100 Index: 18.7%

- Information Technology Index (VGT): 19.4%

- U.S. Real Estate: 6%

- Gold: 7.3%

- CSI 300 Index: 4.9%

In the past twenty years, the annualized average returns of these assets have been:

- S&P 500 Index: 14.7%

- Nasdaq 100 Index: 15.5%

- Information Technology Index (VGT): 15.7%

- U.S. Real Estate: 6%

- Gold: 10.7%

- CSI 300 Index: 10.2%

If you would like to learn more about my investment experience and insights, please visit Amazon or Google Play Books to purchase my Chinese financial book '财富捷径' or the English version 'The Shortcut to Wealth: Your Simple Roadmap to Financial Independence.'