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Passive Investing Worked in the 2010s—But Will It in 2025?

Passive Investing Worked in the 2010s—But Will It in 2025?

Passive Investing Worked in the 2010s—But Will It in 2025?

Over the last decade, passive investing has been a winning strategy. Low interest rates, steady economic growth, and strong corporate earnings made it easy to "set it and forget it." But what happens when inflation eats away at those returns?

History provides an answer. During the 1960s and 1970s, the stock market’s annualized return was just 1.06% if you didn’t reinvest dividends. Even with reinvested dividends, returns were modest compared to the inflation rate.

The message is clear for investors: Passive investing alone may not be enough in an inflationary environment. Instead, strategies like:

  • Investing in dividend-paying stocks to boost returns.

  • Tactical adjustments to respond to changing market conditions.

  • Diversification into tangible assets that tend to perform well during inflationary periods.

The economy is shifting, and investors need to adapt. If you want to ensure your portfolio is positioned correctly, check out our full breakdown:

Outlook 2025—Lessons from the 1960s-70s for Today’s Investors

DISCLOSURE:

Investment advisor representative of securities and investment advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer, and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. In addition, some Investment advisory services are offered through Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor in the State of Washington.

Branch Address: 10940 NE 33rd PL., 210 Bellevue, WA 98004 Branch Phone: 877-400-0260

A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Past performance is not an indication or guarantee of future results. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors
10940 NE 33rd Pl.
Suite #210
Bellevue, WA 98004

(877) 400-0260
info@fulcrumwa.com

Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck  →

Registered Representatives offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser.

Individuals affiliated with Cetera firms are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services.

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a state of Washington Registered Investment Advisory firm at: 10940 NE 33rd Pl., Suite #210, Bellevue, Washington 98004 United States.

Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Investment advisory services and tax consulting services are offered through Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC.

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Financial Advisors of Cetera Advisor Networks may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Not all the products and services referenced on this site may be available in every state and through every advisor listed. For additional information please contact the advisor(s) listed on the site, visit the Cetera Advisor Networks site at: www.ceteraadvisornetworks.com

​Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser in the State of Washington & Texas. We may not transact business in states where we are not appropriately registered, excluded, or exempted from registration. Individualized responses to persons that involve either the effecting of transaction in securities or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without registration or exemption.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

© 2025 Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.​

Website design: Radically Distinct

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors
10940 NE 33rd Pl.
Suite #210
Bellevue, WA 98004

(877) 400-0260
info@fulcrumwa.com

Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck  →

Registered Representatives offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser.

Individuals affiliated with Cetera firms are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services.

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a state of Washington Registered Investment Advisory firm at: 10940 NE 33rd Pl., Suite #210, Bellevue, Washington 98004 United States.

Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Investment advisory services and tax consulting services are offered through Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC.

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Financial Advisors of Cetera Advisor Networks may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Not all the products and services referenced on this site may be available in every state and through every advisor listed. For additional information please contact the advisor(s) listed on the site, visit the Cetera Advisor Networks site at: www.ceteraadvisornetworks.com

​Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser in the State of Washington & Texas. We may not transact business in states where we are not appropriately registered, excluded, or exempted from registration. Individualized responses to persons that involve either the effecting of transaction in securities or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without registration or exemption.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

© 2025 Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.​

Website design: Radically Distinct

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors
10940 NE 33rd Pl.
Suite #210
Bellevue, WA 98004

(877) 400-0260
info@fulcrumwa.com

Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck  →

Registered Representatives offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser.

Individuals affiliated with Cetera firms are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services.

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a state of Washington Registered Investment Advisory firm at: 10940 NE 33rd Pl., Suite #210, Bellevue, Washington 98004 United States.

Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Investment advisory services and tax consulting services are offered through Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC.

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Financial Advisors of Cetera Advisor Networks may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Not all the products and services referenced on this site may be available in every state and through every advisor listed. For additional information please contact the advisor(s) listed on the site, visit the Cetera Advisor Networks site at: www.ceteraadvisornetworks.com

​Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser in the State of Washington & Texas. We may not transact business in states where we are not appropriately registered, excluded, or exempted from registration. Individualized responses to persons that involve either the effecting of transaction in securities or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without registration or exemption.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

© 2025 Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.​

Website design: Radically Distinct