2017 Asset Class Total Return Performance

Below are the final total return numbers in 2017 for various asset classes using our key ETF matrix .Use our Trend Analyzer tool to monitor our proprietary Trend and Timing ratings for each of the ETFs shown (plus every stock in the S&P 500, Dow 30, and Nasdaq 100).

While the Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) was the worst performing asset class in the final week of the year, it finished 2017 with a total return of 32.66%. That’s the biggest gainer of the US index ETFs we track.

The S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW) easily outperformed all other growth and value ETFs across large caps, mid caps, and small caps.From a sector perspective, Tech (XLK) gained the most in 2017 followed by Materials (XLB) and Industrials (XLI). Energy (XLE) and Telecom (IYZ) both finished the year in the red.

Outside of the US, India (PIN), Hong Kong (EWH), and China (ASHR) were up the most in 2017, while Russia (RSX) was up the least. Emerging markets (EEM) had an excellent year with a gain of 37.28%. Natural gas (UNG), on the other hand, had a brutal year with a decline of 37.58%.

Finally, fixed income ETFs all posted single-digit positive returns, with TLT gaining the most at +9.18%.