Allocation Lab

Growth of $10,000: 60/40 Portfolio

A $10,000 investment in the 60/40 Portfolio at the start of 1996 would have grown to $68,719 by 2026 — about 6.9× the original stake over 30 years, based on historical data.

Final value (2026)$68,719
CAGR+8.77%
Max Drawdown-30.4%
Inflation-adjusted$36,495

30-Year Growth of $10,000

60/40 Portfolio
── Actual ETF data   ╌╌ Proxy index data

What the numbers mean

Over this 30-year window the 60/40 Portfolio compounded at roughly 8.77%per year. That growth was not a straight line: the strategy's worst peak-to-trough decline reached -30.4%, a reminder that even the steadiest allocations go through painful stretches.

Its best single year returned +21.9% (2009), while its worst year fell -21.7% (2008). Adjusted for inflation, the ending $68,719 is worth about $36,495 in 1996 dollars — the real purchasing power your money would have gained after rising prices are stripped out.

These figures assume the strategy's target weights (the classic balanced benchmark that stocks-and-bonds investing is measured against.) rebalanced annual, with no additional contributions or withdrawals. To model your own contributions, withdrawal rate, or a different mix, open this allocation in the portfolio simulator.

Annual Returns

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
-2+14+16+13-1-1-7+2+5+1+6-1-22+22+15+6+10+13+11-1+12+170+17+12+13-8+13+17+12+7

Hypothetical historical performance based on backtested data. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Full disclaimer