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Asset Class Forecasts And Return Expectations
From the bond markets to equities, real assets and alternatives, get our asset class forecasts and return expectations to help guide your asset allocation decisions.
Outlook: INVESTMENT GRADE RETURNS CLOSE TO YIELDS
We expect somewhat stable long-term interest rates, limiting the potential for capital appreciation and keeping returns close to their starting-point yields as of June 30, 2023. We anticipate credit spreads and default rates to remain close to long-term averages.
3.7%
GLOBAL INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
7.2%
GLOBAL HIGH YIELD BONDS ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
ABUNDANT YIELDS
We largely expect returns across fixed income to match yield to maturities.
Source: Northern Trust Asset Management, Bloomberg. Coupon return calculated as yield to worst on June 30, 2023.
Capital Market Assumption (CMA) model expected returns do not show actual performance and are for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect actual trading, liquidity constraints, fees, expenses, taxes and other factors that could impact the future returns. Stated return expectations may differ from an investor’s actual result. The assumptions, views, techniques and forecasts noted are subject to change without notice.
Outlook: RETURNS BELOW HISTORICAL AVERAGES
Equity returns may fall short of historical averages as modest drag from valuation and profit margins somewhat offsets tailwinds from a supportive nominal revenue growth backdrop.
6.3%
GLOBAL EQUITIES ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
6.3%
DEVELOPED MARKET EQUITIES ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
5.9%
EMERGING MARKET EQUITIES ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
EXPECT LOWER NEXT-10-YEAR RETURNS
We expect lower but decent returns supported almost entirely by revenue growth and dividends.
Source: Northern Trust Asset Management. EM is emerging markets. “Shares” means the effect on equity returns from share issuance or repurchases. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in any index. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forecast as of June 30, 2023.
Capital Market Assumption (CMA) model expected returns do not show actual performance and are for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect actual trading, liquidity constraints, fees, expenses, taxes and other factors that could impact the future returns. Stated return expectations may differ from an investor’s actual result. The assumptions, views, techniques and forecasts noted are subject to change without notice.
Outlook: FAVORABLE COMPARISON TO GLOBAL EQUITIES
Our forecasted real asset returns compare favorably to those of global equities. While real assets offer equity market exposure, they also offer some non-“market” exposures, which can enhance portfolio diversification — particularly helpful in an environment of elevated inflation and global political risks.
7.9%
NATURAL RESOURCES ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
8.3%
GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
6.4%
GLOBAL LISTED INFRASTRUCTURE ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
SUPPORT TOOLS
Real assets should provide welcomed support amid elevated inflation and geopolitical risks.
Source: Northern Trust Asset Management, Bloomberg. Forecasts are as of June 30, 2023.
Capital Market Assumption (CMA) model expected returns do not show actual performance and are for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect actual trading, liquidity constraints, fees, expenses, taxes and other factors that could impact the future returns. Stated return expectations may differ from an investor’s actual result. The assumptions, views, techniques and forecasts noted are subject to change without notice.
Outlook: APPEALING PREMIUMS FOR SOME INVESTORS
Alternatives can enhance portfolio performance and diversification through a wide range of strategies. But performance dispersion is wide, so manager selection is extremely important.
9.6%
PRIVATE EQUITY ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
6.9%
PRIVATE CREDIT ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
4.5%
HEDGE FUND ANNUALIZED RETURN FORECAST
FOUR PREMIUMS AND A DISCOUNT
We maintain a minor discount for credit given a relatively tough public-market comparison.
Source: Northern Trust Asset Management, Bloomberg. Forecasts are as of June 30, 2023.
Capital Market Assumption (CMA) model expected returns do not show actual performance and are for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect actual trading, liquidity constraints, fees, expenses, taxes and other factors that could impact the future returns. Stated return expectations may differ from an investor’s actual result. The assumptions, views, techniques and forecasts noted are subject to change without notice.
6 Key Themes
Our Capital Market Assumptions 10-year market outlook provides insight into the forces shaping the investing landscape for the coming years. These six key themes drive our outlook and inform asset allocation for the next 10 years.
GROWTH RESTRAINTS Icon

GROWTH RESTRAINTS

Costly investments for regionalization and climate change may handcuff economic growth — and investment returns — already restrained by high government debt and aging populations.

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INFLATION ADAPTATION Icon

INFLATION ADAPTATION

While we expect global economic growth to backtrack, inflation should persist. Tight labor markets, regionalization and higher commodity prices will likely more than offset technology’s disinflationary promise. Investors, consumers and policymakers must adapt.

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CENTRAL BANK CONCESSIONS Icon

CENTRAL BANK CONCESSIONS

New, more permanent inflationary forces complicate central banks’ abilities to reach their objectives. Over time, we think central banks will ultimately concede inflation modestly higher than their target rather than create undue economic harm.

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GEOPOLITICAL FAULT LINES Icon

GEOPOLITICAL FAULT LINES

The deepening U.S.-China strategic rivalry has elevated global political risks, enough to alter fundamentals for investors. Even historically stable political dynamics could shift abruptly and impact equity valuations.

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A SUSTAINABLE GREEN TRANSITION Icon

A SUSTAINABLE GREEN TRANSITION

Countries want to cut emissions and improve energy security, so the green energy transition is still a go. But it requires vast amounts of financing and natural resources. Investors must navigate environmental and economic priorities.

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PRIVATE MATTERS Icon

PRIVATE MATTERS

Private markets continue to grow, backed by improving liquidity supported by strengthening market infrastructure. Private investments are primed to play an increasingly important role in the economy and investors’ portfolios.

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Building Smart Portfolios

Our forward-looking, historically aware investment approach powers a breadth of capabilities and solutions — spanning a full spectrum of asset class strategies and investment styles — to meet a variety of portfolio needs.
Alternatives
Hedge Funds
Private Equity
Private Credit
Real Assets
Infrastructure
Real Estate
Multi-Asset
Global Tactical Asset Allocation
Diversified Strategist Portfolios
Alternatives
Hedge Funds
Private Equity
Private Credit
Real Assets
Infrastructure
Real Estate
Multi-Asset
Global Tactical Asset Allocation
Diversified Strategist Portfolios
Download Our 10-Year Outlook
Find out what investors should expect in the years ahead.
Download Executive Summary
Every year, Northern Trust’s Capital Market Assumptions Working Group develops forward-looking, historically aware forecasts for global economic activity and financial market returns — which drive our 10-year asset class return expectations and inform our asset allocation decisions.

All of this comes together in the form of our long-term strategic asset class allocation suggestions, which are used by institutional and individual investors worldwide.
Contributors
DAN BALLANTINE, CFA
Investment Strategist,
Global Asset Allocation
ANTULIO BOMFIM, PH.D.
Head of Global Macro,
Global Fixed Income
RYAN BOYLE
Senior Economist
MARK CARLSON, CFA
Client Portfolio Manager,
Fixed Income
COLIN CHEESMAN, CFA
Senior Investment Analyst,
Global Asset Allocation
MICHAEL DE JUAN
Director, Portfolio Strategy
DAN FARRELL
Head of International Short Duration
CHARLES GRANT, CFA
Director, Wealth Management Research
CHRIS HUEMMER, CFA
Client Portfolio Manager,
Equities
MICHAEL HUNSTAD, PH.D.
CIO of Global Equities, Deputy CIO
TIM JOHNSON
Head of Portfolio Solutions,
Global Fixed Income
CHRISTIAN LAMBERT
Investment Analyst,
Global Asset Allocation
ERIC LEE, CFA
Investment Strategist,
Global Asset Allocation
ANGELO MANIOUDAKIS
Global Chief Investment Officer
KATIE NIXON, CFA
Chief Investment Officer,
Wealth Management
BRAD PETERSON, CFA
National Portfolio Advisor,
Wealth Management
VAIBHAV TANDON
Economist
CARL TANNENBAUM
Chief Economist
ERIC WILLIAMS
Head of Capital Structure,
Global Fixed Income
Northern Trust Asset Management

Northern Trust Asset Management is a global investment manager that helps investors navigate changing market environments in efforts to realize their long-term objectives.

Entrusted with $1.2 trillion of investor assets as of June 30, 2024, we understand that investing ultimately serves a greater purpose and believe investors should be compensated for the risks they take — in all market environments and any investment strategy.

$885 Billion in A U M1

That’s why we combine robust capital markets research, expert portfolio construction and comprehensive risk management to craft innovative and efficient solutions that deliver targeted investment outcomes.

As engaged contributors to our communities, we consider it a great privilege to serve our investors and our communities with integrity, respect, and transparency.

1Assets under management as of December 31, 2018. For the Northern Trust Asset Management entities included in the A U M total, please see disclosure at end of this page.