When will we get back to average market returns?
Average total returns in the stock and bond markets are often cited in financial circles, perhaps giving lay investors the false impression that these returns are the norm. In reality, there have been few years when either stocks or bonds delivered returns that are even close to market averages.
Financial markets, particularly stock markets, are inherently volatile over the short term. To benefit from long-term market performance, investors should temper their expectations and stay the course.