A 36 year track record
As of the end of 2023, the 36-year average rate of return using the “Beating the TSX” method was 12.40%. To put this in context, the benchmark index rate of return was 9.74% over the same time period.
There is not a single mutual fund in Canada with a track record of such out-performance. In fact, BTSX has outperformed the benchmark over the last 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 years.
The following graph shows the performance of BTSX vs the benchmark index for the past 36 years; 2023 is at the top and 1987 is at the bottom. As you can see, BTSX has a strong history of beating the index, with a few notable exceptions.
Not just beating the benchmark – doubling it
What this means in real terms is that $10 000 invested using the BTSX strategy 35 years ago would be worth $392,584 today. That same $10 000 invested in the benchmark index would be worth only $180,730.
Performance data since 1987
Here is all the performance data going all the way back to 1987. Rates of return indicate total returns (price change + dividends). All dividends are considered reinvested. The index returns are approximated by the investable TSX 60 ETF by iShares: XIU. Data from 1987 – 2002 is based on May to May intervals because this is how the originator of BTSX, David Stanley, calculated the returns. Since 2002, calculations are based on Dec 31st closing prices.
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