Comparing Against Benchmarks

Benchmarks help you understand whether your portfolio is keeping up with the broader market.

In Greenline, go to the Benchmarks section to compare your returns against common indexes like:

• S&P 500 — Tracks the 500 largest US companies
• TSX Composite — Tracks the Canadian stock market
• Balanced portfolio benchmark — A mix of stocks and bonds for a more conservative comparison

The comparison shows your portfolio’s return alongside the benchmark return for the same time period. This makes it easy to see if you’re ahead, behind, or roughly in line.

One important thing to keep in mind: benchmarks aren’t a grade. They’re a reference point. An RRSP full of bonds shouldn’t be compared to the S&P 500. Use the benchmark that matches what your portfolio is actually trying to do. If you hold mostly Canadian stocks, the TSX is a more relevant comparison. If you hold a mix of everything, a balanced benchmark makes more sense.

Still need help? Reach out at support@usegreenline.com.