CAGR vs Absolute Returns

Understanding the difference between these two methods can help you make informed decisions about your investment in UAE. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of CAGR vs Absolute Returns, explaining their calculations, differences, and suitability for various investment scenarios.

What is CAGR in Mutual Funds?

Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) measures the annualised return of an investment over a specific period, assuming that profits are reinvested. It helps you understand how an investment grows each year at a steady rate, smoothing out fluctuations.

CAGR Formula:

CAGR= { [(End value/ Beginning value) ^ 1/n] - 1 } x 100

Where:

• Ending Value = Value of the investment at the end of the period
• Beginning Value = Initial investment amount
• n = Investment duration (in years)

Example:

If you invested AED 8,000 and its value increased to AED 12,000 over 3 years, the CAGR would be —

CAGR = [((12,000/8,000)^1/3)) - 1 ] × 100 = 14.47%

CAGR provides a clearer picture of investment growth over time and is ideal for comparing different investment options

What are Absolute Returns in Mutual Funds?

Absolute Returns measure the total percentage increase or decrease in investment value without considering the time period. It is a straightforward calculation showing how much the investment has grown.

Absolute Return Formula:

Absolute Return= [(Final Value - Initial Investment)/Initial Investment)] × 100

Example:

If you invested AED 5,000 in a mutual fund in UAE and its value grew to AED 8,500, the absolute return would be —

Absolute Return = [(8,500 −5,000)/5,000)] × 100 = 70%

Absolute returns are useful for short-term investments. However, they don’t provide insights into annualised growth.

Difference Between CAGR and Absolute Returns

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose between CAGR vs Absolute Returns —

CAGR vs Absolute Return: Which is Better?

Both CAGR and absolute returns have their own advantages —

• Use Absolute Returns for short-term investments where time is not a major factor
• Use CAGR for long-term investments to assess consistent annual growth

How to Calculate CAGR and Absolute Returns?

Mr. Kalim invested AED 50,000 in 2010. This amount grew to AED 80,000 by 2020. 

• Absolute Return: [(80,000 − 50,000)/50,000)] × 100 = 60%
• CAGR: {[(80,000/50,000)^1/10] - 1} × 100 = 4.81%

The absolute return looks impressive, but CAGR reveals that the investment grew only 4.81% per year. Thus, the latter provides a more realistic growth picture.

How to Use CAGR and Absolute Returns Effectively

• For Long-Term Investors: CAGR provides a better measure of consistent growth and is useful for comparing investments over multiple years
• For Short-Term Traders: Absolute return is a quick measure to understand the gains made over a brief period
• For Portfolio Comparison: Use CAGR to compare investments of varying durations and risk levels

Read More: XIRR Meaning in Mutual Funds

The Bottom Line

Understanding the difference between CAGR and Absolute Returns is essential for evaluating investment performance effectively. While absolute returns show the total increase in investment, CAGR provides a clearer picture of annual growth, making it ideal for long-term planning. 

By using both metrics appropriately, you can make better financial decisions and optimise your portfolios.

Frequently Asked Questions