Get Real: Benchmarking to the S&P 500 isn’t a Good Strategy
Trying to beat the Standard & Poor’s could lead investors down a path of failed expectations and excessive risk.


Study after study has shown that beating the S&P 500 is over the long-term is nearly impossible. Yet, nearly every time I meet with a new investor, they ask the question, “How have you done against the market (S&P 500)?”
My reply is generally something along the lines of “is that what you’re looking for?” and their answer is either a look of confusion or a resounding “yes.” However, in further conversation, investors come to understand that this is the wrong question. It inevitably will lead them down a path of failed expectations and missed goals (in my previous column I detailed the importance of setting and understanding your goals).
Beating the S&P 500 sounds great, but it does little to help investors gain peace of mind. Moreover it may also be impractical and require taking on risks that are unacceptable to you.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
You don’t have to look back far, 2008-09 is less than a decade behind us. If your portfolio lost 35% in 2008 and gained 3% in 2011, you beat the S&P in both years, so what? Neither seems an attractive return to me.
For the decade ending 2009 the S&P was flat, hardly impressive; and for the period between Dec. 31, 2009, and May 31, 2017, the index returned just over 26% annualized. While the latter is impressive, if you walked into my office and I told you that I have a strategy that has returned over 25% annually you’d rightfully assume that there must be incredible risks associated with this strategy.
My point is simply that benchmarking your goals and expectations to the S&P 500 or any other index is silly and impractical.
Instead of heedlessly chasing the S&P, investors should:
- Take account of their goals.
- Evaluate the costs associated with reaching these goals.
- Task their investment adviser with developing a plan that is likely to achieve these goals with the least amount of risk possible.
This column is the second in a six-part series. In my next column I will detail the importance of focusing on cash-flow generation from your portfolio instead of focusing on your expected investment returns, especially in retirement.
- Column 1: Understanding your goals
- Column 2: Why benchmarking to the S&P 500 is not a good strategy
- Column 3: It’s about cash-flow, not returns
- Column 4: How much are you paying for your portfolio?
- Column 5: 5 critical questions to ask your financial adviser
- Column 6: ‘Senior Inflation’ the not so silent retirement killer
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Oliver Pursche is the Chief Market Strategist for Bruderman Asset Management, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm with over $1 billion in assets under management and an additional $400 million under advisement through its affiliated broker dealer, Bruderman Brothers, LLC. Pursche is a recognized authority on global affairs and investment policy, as well as a regular contributor on CNBC, Bloomberg and Fox Business. Additionally, he is a monthly contributing columnist for Forbes and Kiplinger.com, a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and a monthly participant of the NY Federal Reserve Bank Business Leaders Survey, and the author of "Immigrants: The Economic Force at our Door."
-
Time to Spring-Clean Your Finances: A Financial Professional's Four Steps to Tidy Them Up
A midyear review of everything from spending to saving, with adjustments as needed, can set you on track to financial security. Plus, don't forget to check in on your workplace benefits.
-
Why a Law Firm Secretly Recording Client Conversations Is Wrong (and Illegal)
A law firm that has been recording client conversations without the clients' knowledge or permission and has threatened employees if they speak out faces legal and ethical challenges.
-
Stock Market Today: Markets Discount Another U.S. Downgrade
After Friday's closing bell, Moody's followed Standard & Poor's and Fitch and cut its rating on U.S. government debt.
-
Donating Complex Assets Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
If you're looking to donate less-conventional assets but don't know where to start, this charity executive has answers, such as considering a donor-advised fund (DAF) for its tax benefits and ease of use.
-
Think a Repeal of the Estate Tax Wouldn't Affect You? Wrong
The wording of any law that repeals or otherwise changes the federal estate tax could have an impact on all of us. Here's what you need to know, courtesy of an estate planning and tax attorney.
-
In Your 50s? We Need to Talk About Long-Term Care
Many people don't like thinking about long-term care, but most people will need it. This financial professional recommends planning for these costs as early as possible to avoid stress later.
-
Social Security Pop Quiz: Are You Among the 89% of Americans Who'd Fail?
Shockingly few people have any clue what their Social Security benefits could be. This financial adviser notes it's essential to understand that info and when it might be best to access your benefits.
-
Stock Market Today: Investors Look on the Bright Side
A generally good week closes on another positive note, as investors, traders and speculators look for fresh catalysts.