Skip to content

Historically, we have always seen reversion to the mean…

“Historically, we have always seen reversion to the mean. After stocks have had an unusually great 10 or 20 years, they typically turn in subpar results over the next 10 or 20, and after bad 10- to 20-year stretches, the next 10 to 20 tend to be above average.” quote by James O'Shaughnessy
Download Open image
“Historically, we have always seen reversion to the mean. After stocks have had an unusually great 10 or 20 years, they typically turn in subpar results over the next 10 or 20, and after bad 10- to 20-year stretches, the next 10 to 20 tend to be above average.”

James O'Shaughnessy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Markets tend to revert to average performance after long periods of extreme gains or losses.

In simple terms: Markets bounce back to normal after extremes.

Key Takeaway

Expect cycles and plan for mean reversion.

Themes

finance statistics cycles

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advisory educational

When to use this quote

  • investment planning
  • portfolio allocation
  • risk management

Key Concepts

Mean reversion long-term trends

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you adjust strategy after a prolonged bull market?
  • What signals indicate a shift toward mean reversion?
A Different Perspective

Short-term trends can dominate, obscuring longer cycles.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by James O'Shaughnessy

Explore all 17 James O'Shaughnessy quotes

More Above quotes

Browse all 387 Above quotes