Deutsche Bank AG(US:DB)2025-10-29 02:52Summary of Deutsche Bank Research Institute Report on Long-Term Investing Industry Overview - The report focuses on long-term investing strategies and asset class performance across various macroeconomic environments, drawing on data from 56 economies over more than 200 years [2][6][11]. Key Findings Historical Performance of Asset Classes - Median global inflation-adjusted returns in USD terms show: - Equities: 4.9% p.a. - 60/40 Portfolio: 4.2% - Government Bonds: 2.6% - Bills: 1.9% - Gold: 0.4% - Cash: -2.0% [6][14]. - Gold has underperformed compared to financial assets historically, but in the 21st century, it has outperformed with a return of 7.45% p.a. [6][16]. - The best-performing equity markets over the last century were in Sweden (7.5% p.a.) and the US (7.2% p.a.), while Italy had the worst performance for equities (2.5% p.a.) and bonds (-1.1%) [6][19]. Economic Growth and Returns - Nominal GDP growth is a key driver of asset-class returns, averaging 5.7% annually since 1900 [6][19]. - Developed markets (DM) have seen a decline in nominal GDP growth, with projections of around 4% over the next five years, which is below historical averages [6][32]. - Real GDP growth in developed markets is at its lowest level in a century, reinforcing the link between economic growth and investment returns [6][41]. Investment Risks and Probabilities - The probability of equities underperforming cash over 25 years is only 0.8%, but this rises to 6.3% over 10 years and 13.6% over five years [10]. - For government bonds, the probability of underperforming inflation is around 25% across various time frames [10]. - A 60/40 portfolio has historically offered the lowest probability of nominal losses, with just a 0.1% chance of negative returns over 25 years [10]. Demographic Trends - Both developed and emerging markets are experiencing slow population growth, with 32 economies projected to see a decline in their working-age population by 2050 [9][54]. - Countries with declining working-age populations may struggle to sustain real GDP growth, impacting future investment returns [59][60]. Inflation and Returns - Historical data indicates that equities serve as an effective hedge against inflation, with nominal equity returns rising with inflation [50]. - However, real returns tend to decline slightly as inflation increases, suggesting that equities perform best in lower-inflation environments [50][52]. Currency Depreciation - Over the past century, only three economies (Switzerland, Singapore, and the Netherlands) have seen their currencies appreciate against the US dollar, while many have depreciated significantly [91][93]. - The US has been a significant relative winner in currency terms, influencing returns when measured in USD [97]. Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of starting valuations in predicting long-term performance, with low P/E portfolios outperforming high P/E portfolios historically [9][81]. - The relationship between equities and bonds has reverted to a positive correlation post-COVID, suggesting that both asset classes may move in tandem more often in the future [83][87]. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for investors looking to navigate long-term investment strategies in a changing economic landscape.