Steer a course through changes in market leadership

Leaders in one year could be laggards the next year.

To understand why diversifying investments can be more effective than trying to pick winners, explore the annual performance rankings below.

  • Select a time period.
  • Click one or more asset classes to see changes in the rankings.
  • Highlight a single asset class to chart its change in the rankings.
  • Select multiple asset classes to view a comparison.
quilt select image

Learn more about diversified portfolio and Putnam's approach to asset allocation

Our asset allocation funds offer strategic diversification.

How we invest

Our target-date funds are diversified for retirement savers

See our allocation campaign

Data is historical. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Large-cap growth stocks are represented by the Russell 1000 Growth Index, which is an unmanaged index of capitalization-weighted stocks chosen for their growth orientation. Small-cap growth stocks are represented by the Russell 2000 Growth Index, which is an unmanaged index of those companies in the Russell 2000 Index chosen for their growth orientation. Large-cap value stocks are represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index, which is an unmanaged index of capitalization-weighted stocks chosen for their value orientation. Small-cap value stocks are represented by the Russell 2000 Value Index, which is an unmanaged index of those companies in the Russell 2000 Index chosen for their value orientation. Large-cap stocks are represented by the S&P 500 Index, which is an unmanaged index of common stock performance. Mid-cap stocks are represented by the Russell Midcap Index, an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index. International stocks are represented by the MSCI EAFE Index (ND), which is an unmanaged index of international stocks from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. U.S. bonds are represented by the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which is an unmanaged index used as a general measure of fixed-income securities. Cash is represented by the ICE BofAML U.S. 3-month T-Bill Index, which is an unmanaged index used as a general measure for money market or cash instruments. You cannot invest directly in an index.

Frank Russell Company is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks, and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company.

ICE Data Indices, LLC (ICE BofAML), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an "as is" basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.


International investing involves certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, economic instability, and political developments. Investments in small companies involve higher risk of volatility. The use of derivatives involves additional risks, such as the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. There is a risk that you may have more or less than the original amount invested when you sell your shares. Mutual funds that invest in bonds are subject to certain risks including interest- rate risk, credit risk, and inflation risk. As interest rates rise, the prices of bonds fall. Long-term bonds are more exposed to interest-rate risk than short-term bonds. Unlike bonds, funds that invest in bonds have ongoing fees and expenses. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or ensure against loss. It is possible to lose money in a diversified portfolio.