10-Year Asset Performance Tracker: Which Investments Have Shone the Brightest?
Explore the 10-year performance of various asset classes, including equity, debt, precious metals, and real estate. Discover which investments have delivered the highest returns and the importance of diversification.
GoldEquityReal EstateDiversificationInvestmentReal EstateNov 17, 2025
The annual returns are ranked for multiple asset classes across equity, debt, precious metals, and real estate. This map shows that no single asset class reigns supreme. Hence, diversification helps.
Snapshot of 10-Year Investment Performance Trends
Gold tops the 10-year chart, with mid-cap equities in pursuit. Silver witnessed a sharp rise in 2025, driven by robust industrial demand and a notable supply shortfall. Meanwhile, gold prices surged amid global macroeconomic uncertainties, widening fiscal deficits, and currency depreciation.
Large-cap equities outperformed, benefiting from their scale, stronger balance sheets, and earnings momentum, particularly in sectors like banking and financial services. In contrast, mid-cap and small-cap stocks lagged due to stretched valuations.
Long-term Performance
Gold emerged as the standout asset, bolstered by aggressive central bank purchases and its enduring appeal as a safe haven. The mid-cap equity segment followed, supported by expanding corporate earnings and broad-based recovery after Covid-19. Debt instruments provided portfolio stability, but delivered lower overall returns compared to equities and precious metals. Real estate lagged, hindered by liquidity constraints and high transaction costs.
Source:
Reuters-Refinitiv, NHB and ACE MF. 2025 data is YTD based on 11 November 2025 closing values. Other year returns are calculated between the first and the last trading day closing values. NHB Residex returns based on June values for each year. The latest NHB Residex data is available up to June 2025 quarter. Benchmarks used: Equity (large cap): Nifty 50; Equity (mid cap): Nifty Midcap 100 Index; Equity (small cap): Nifty Smallcap 100 Index; Silver: MCX Silver futures; Gold: MCX Gold futures; G-Sec 10-year: Crisil 10-year Gilt Index; Debt (short term): Crisil 91 Day T-Bill Index; Real estate: NHB Residex.
Lessons from the Grandmasters
Understanding the performance of different asset classes over the past decade can provide valuable insights for investors. Diversification remains a key strategy to mitigate risk and optimize returns. While gold and large-cap equities have shown strong performance, mid-cap and small-cap equities, along with real estate, offer unique opportunities and challenges that investors should consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What asset class performed the best over the last 10 years?
Gold emerged as the standout asset, bolstered by aggressive central bank purchases and its enduring appeal as a safe haven.
How did large-cap equities perform compared to mid-cap and small-cap equities?
Large-cap equities outperformed, benefiting from their scale, stronger balance sheets, and earnings momentum, particularly in sectors like banking and financial services. In contrast, mid-cap and small-cap stocks lagged due to stretched valuations.
What factors contributed to the surge in silver prices in 2025?
Silver witnessed a sharp rise in 2025, driven by robust industrial demand and a notable supply shortfall.
Why did real estate lag in performance compared to other asset classes?
Real estate lagged, hindered by liquidity constraints and high transaction costs.
What is the importance of diversification in investment?
Diversification helps mitigate risk and optimize returns by spreading investments across different asset classes, ensuring that no single asset class dominates the portfolio.
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