We look at rolling 5-year periods starting each month since December 1991 for four asset classes, namely, equity, bonds, commodities, and gold. From this, we can get an idea about the probability of, for example, losing money or earning double-digit returns in each of the four asset classes.

Only in 16% of the 5-year periods has equity shown a negative return

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• Looking at rolling 5-year periods starting each month, equity has shown positive average annual returns in 84% of periods since 1991
• It has been very rare to see losses of more than 5% p.a. over a 5-year period

Only in 6% of the 5-year periods has bonds shown a negative return

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• Bonds have rarely shown losses over 5 years
• When there have been losses it has been less than 5% p.a. over the 5-year period

Wider distribution for commodities

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• Commodities show a wider distribution than both stocks and bonds
• Hence, it’s probable to see double-digit annual returns or losses over a 5-year period
• This has happened in 44% of periods

In 6% of periods, the return has been above 20% p.a.

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• Gold has shown a loss in 39% of 5-year periods
• Losses have been less than 10% p.a.
• In 6% of periods, the return has been above 20% p.a.
• For equity that has only happened in 1% of periods