Most managed funds will report their past performance.

This makes it easier to compare past returns, but note that past performance does not necessarily dictate future performance.

When analysing returns of investments it is important to ensure that you are:

• using the same time periods, to ensure you are comparing returns derived over the same market conditions.
• reviewing short and long term performance.
• considering the underlying characteristics of the assets you are comparing.

For a fair comparison, you should compare apples with apples, for example one actively managed blue chip Australian share fund against another Australian actively managed blue chip Australian share fund with a similar investment strategy.