What 2023 Teaches Us About Expectations vs. Reality

Realized market returns are driven by the difference between investor expectations and the events that actually transpire. If reality pans out better than expected, markets may deliver strong returns along the way. On the other hand, market returns may be disappointing if developments are worse than anticipated. The global MSCI All Country World IMI Index returned 21.6% in 2023. That’s three times its annualized compound return since June 1994.¹ Such an outsized return suggests investors’ expectations for 2023 were exceeded. Think about that for a moment: We’ve had major geopolitical conflicts, a US banking crisis, deteriorating fiscal health for many countries, and yet, on balance, outcomes were better than what markets expected at the start of the year. This is something to keep in mind when reading forecasts for 2024. If predictions (good, bad, or indifferent) come to fruition, stocks should have a positive expected return.   EXHIBIT 1 Growth of a Dollar | Global Stocks, January 2023–December 2023   Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Growth of a dollar shown for MSCI All Country World IMI Index (net dividends).   Dollar results presented in the chart are hypothetical and assume reinvestment of income and no transaction costs or taxes. The chart is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of any investment. Indices are not available for direct investment. Index has been included for comparative purposes only. MSCI data © MSCI 2024, all rights reserved. This article originally appeared in Above the Fray, a weekly newsletter for Dimensional clients.   FOOTNOTES

1. 1. The annualized compound return for the MSCI All Country World IMI Index (net div., USD) from June 1994–December 2023 was 7.2%.

  Prosperity Capital Advisors is a planning-first RIA that prioritizes clients’ best interests above all else in financial planning. We have a nationwide team of professionals who are dedicated to serving clients’ unique needs and aspirations. See our full list of advisors by clicking here. This blog was created and published by Dimensional Fund Advisors. Learn more about Dimensional Fund Advisors here. The original post was published on January 18 2024 , and can be found here.