A recently published paper, called “The Rate of Return on Everything, 1870–2015”, looks extremely interesting. The authors – Òscar Jordà, Katharina Knoll, Dmitry Kuvshinov, Moritz Schularick, and Alan M. Taylor – have collected a unique dataset of total returns for equity, housing, bonds, and treasury bills covering 16 advanced economies from 1870 to 2015.
The paper calculates real returns across asset classes on a global GDP weighted basis, as per this graph.
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The paper contains some fascinating conclusions, such as housing and equities having similar returns but with housing being considerably less volatile, as per this graph.
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Another fascinating graph is on the risk premium between risky and safe assets, as below.
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Given the time of year, I haven’t had an opportunity to consider the paper in detail but will hopefully get a chance over the Christmas break (and now back to wrapping presents!!).
A very happy Christmas to all who spend any time here. Have a great time and I hope Santa is kind!
This blog represents my personal views and is not reflective of the views or opinions held by any company or employer I work for currently or have worked for in the past. The views expressed herein are based solely upon publicly available data. No views expressed herein should be taken as an endorsement to take any particular course of action in the markets. The basis of this blog is that different views should be expressed and readers make up their own minds on the what they believe and act accordingly.
deconstructingrisk 
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! I hope you finished wrapping in time 😉
Best
Eddie
Right back at you Eddie, warmest Christmas greetings and here’s to a healthy happy 2018.
M