Return Comparisons

In my previous, I posted my annual returns since the start of 2007, but I didn't post how it compared to the markets in general. I use two S&P indexes as benchmarks for myself. They are the S&P 500 and the S&P Global 1200. I picked these because the S&P 500 is a fairly good indicator of the U.S. markets in general. I picked the Global 1200 because, well, it's really a global context working in and I felt it makes sense to compare myself to the world in general. Note: I compare to both indexes TR or Total Return, which includes dividends.

Here's how I've stacked up against those markets:

Year Ben S&P 500 S&P Global 1200

2007 +15.34% +5.49% +10.23%

2008 -45.55% -37.88% -40.68%

2009(as of 11/6/09) +27.45% +20.85% +26.98%

Cumulative Return -16.14% -20.71% -20.52%

The Good News, I'm beating the markets!

The Bad News, I've still lost money!