Investment Holding Periods Infographic

This Investment Holding Periods infographic illustrates how different portfolio combinations perform over time. Designed to help start the conversation about risk and return, the infographic speaks to the best, worst and average returns.

“Using a historical perspective, discover the best, worst and average returns of investment portfolio types over time.”

Explore how time influences investment outcomes with our Investment Holding Periods infographic. Designed to simplify complex market behavior, this visual tool presents the best, worst, and average returns across a range of portfolio types—from very conservative to aggressive—over holding periods from 1 to 30 years. Grounded in historical data from 1950 to 2024, it offers a calm, practical perspective ideal for helping clients navigate short-term uncertainty while staying focused on long-term goals.

The infographic includes five distinct investment portfolios, each rebalanced annually to maintain its target allocation. Portfolio breakdowns are as follows:

Investment portfolios included:

  • Conservative includes 80% Cash and 20% Bonds
  • Moderate portfolio includes 25% Cash, 45% Bonds, and 30% Stocks
  • Balanced holds 15% Cash, 35% Bonds, and 50% Stocks
  • Growth 10% Cash, 20% Bonds and 70% Stocks
  • Aggressive holds 5% Cash, 5% Bonds and 90% Stocks

Asset class performance is based on trusted Canadian benchmarks: the S&P/TSX Total Return Index (stocks), Canada 10 Year Government Bond Total Return Index (bonds), and the Canada TBill Total Return Index (cash). This makes the Investment Holding Periods infographic both relatable and reliable for Canadian investors.

For financial professionals, this infographic is more than a data snapshot—it’s a valuable conversation tool. It helps clients visualize how different investment strategies perform over time and supports discussions about risk tolerance, time horizon, and goal-setting. When paired with the Financial Planning Process infographic, it provides a solid foundation for building trust and promoting long-term financial success.

Holding Periods

Discover how timing makes a dramatic difference in returns, with data clearly shown for 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, 25-year, and 30-year holding periods.

Companion Calculators

This Investment Holding Periods infographic works well with the historical perspective calculators including:

  • Rate of Return Odds
  • Stock, Bonds and Cash
  • Stocks and Holding Periods

Infographic Features

  • Communicate complex concepts with vibrant, sharable, easy-to-understand infographics
  • Personalized for individual Advisors
  • Current and timely for client communications
  • One of many infographics included in FreshPlan software

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