The Big Picture® · 2026 edition
10090+ years of market history in one chart
The Big Picture brings market history to life, tracing the growth of $1,000 invested in 19261935 in major asset classes through every bull and bear market, recession and inflation spike. Advisors use it to spark conversations about key investment principles.
Wall chart and client handout, updated every year. Volume savings from 2+ copies.
Used by over 100,000 financial advisors and by leading institutions, including
When markets get loud, history is the calmest voice in the room
Clients see the daily swings and fear the next fall. The Big Picture shows them the whole century: every downturn, and the recovery that followed it.
Every recovery since 19261935
Clients see what history shows: every bear market has given way to new highs. Fear gives way to perspective.
Ready for the client conversation
Up to date every year and easy to read, on the office wall, in the client's hands or on screen.
Volatility, in context
A century of data turns emotional reactions into informed decisions about staying invested.
One chart, the principles of investing
Stocks, bonds, Treasury bills, inflation and model portfolios, with the events and cycles that moved them.
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Downturns and recoveries
Every major decline in stocks since 19261935, how deep it went, and how long the recovery took.
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Diversification
Growth or peace of mind: how different mixes of stocks and bonds have fared over time.
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Historical context
Returns alongside the recessions, political events and interest rates that shaped them.
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Inflation, a constant risk
What a dollar from 19261935 is worth today, and which assets have kept ahead of rising prices.
Three ways to use it
Printed in fine detail on premium stock, or branded with your firm's logo for screens and presentations.
Wall chart
37.75 × 25.25 in, for the office
The full chart at a size clients can stand in front of and explore with you.
Order the wall chart Order the wall chartClient handout
8.5 × 11 in, opens to 11 × 17 in
A folded copy to leave with clients after a meeting, so the conversation keeps working at home.
Order handouts Order handoutsDigital bundle
PDF and interactive chart, with your logo
A co-branded PDF and an interactive web chart for presentations, virtual meetings, your website and screens.
See the digital bundle See the digital bundleMost advisors order both: a wall chart for the office and handouts for clients.
Order both → Order both →Institutions: ask us about co-branded and custom editions at info@investmentsillustrated.com.
What industry leaders say
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The Big Picture does a good job of illustrating long-term market trends.
John C. BogleFounder, Vanguard -
The Big Picture has been a Big Success in our retail network, with advisors responding to the longer time horizon and cleaner approach than competing alternatives.
Nadine GartleyManaging Director, Product Management & Innovation, Scotia Asset Management -
The Big Picture chart displays a great deal more information about different asset class returns than the Ibbotson charts that you've probably seen.
Bob VeresFinancial advisor and writer -
A terrific market chart.
Ted WeschlerInvestment Manager, Berkshire Hathaway
New: safe withdrawal rate software
The Big Picture safe withdrawal rate program
The same evidence, applied to retirement income. Interactive software for client and prospect meetings: test a retirement plan against every retirement since 1926, change any input, and see the answer update instantly.
It's a lot of fun to use. I wish I'd had access to it in the early 1990's, when I began my research on the so-called ‘4% rule.’
William P. BengenCreator of the 4% ruleQuestions
What exactly is the Big Picture?
A large-format chart of 10090+ years of market history: the growth of $1,000 invested in 19261935 in stocks, bonds, Treasury bills and model portfolios, alongside inflation, interest rates, recessions and the major events of each era.
Who uses it?
Financial advisors, wealth managers and asset managers who want to start meaningful conversations with clients, set expectations, and put downturns in perspective. It is also used in classrooms and by individual investors.
What versions are available?
A wall chart for the office, a folded client handout, and a digital bundle: an on-screen PDF and an interactive web chart branded with your firm's logo. There are U.S. and Canadian editions; switch between them at the top of any page.
Is there a discount for larger orders?
Yes. Volume savings apply automatically from two copies of the wall chart or the handout. Institutions can also order co-branded or fully custom editions: write to info@investmentsillustrated.com.
What does the digital bundle include?
A co-branded PDF and an interactive web edition of the Big Picture, made with your firm's logo, for presentations, virtual meetings, websites and screens. It is licensed by the year, by team size.
Has the Big Picture been reviewed by FINRA?
Yes. The Big Picture has been reviewed by FINRA's Advertising Regulation Department, filed by member firms, and found consistent with applicable standards.