Investing

By Allan Norman, MSc, CFP, CIM on July 8, 2025
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

By Allan Norman, MSc, CFP, CIM on July 8, 2025
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The Index Matrix vividly illustrates how different assets performed in the past. Here’s how Canadians can use it to improve their portfolios.

Is there a fun and engaging web tool I can use with people so they can get a good grasp of expected long-term returns for equities and bonds, before and after inflation?

—Allan, Barrie, Ont.

You caught me, that is my question and not a question from a MoneySense reader. But there is such an tool. Until last week I paid about $400 a year for access, but now it is free to everyone, and I want to make you aware of it. It is so good, it is worth bookmarking.

What I like about it is it gives you a quick history of stock and bond returns. I find looking back at history gives me more confidence in what to expect in the future, especially when markets drop. Also, having a better understanding of historical returns may help you with your investment allocation decisions, possibly leading to higher expected returns.

Okay, here it is, the link to the Index Matrix. When you open it up you will see a graph........

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