What Likely Range of My Wealth Will Be?

Abstract:     
The median is often a better measure than the mean in evaluating the long-term value of a portfolio. However, the standard plug-in estimate of the median is too optimistic. It has a substantial upward bias that can easily exceed a factor of two. In this paper, we provide an unbiased forecast of the median of the long-term value of a portfolio. In addition, we also provide an unbiased forecast of an arbitrary percentile of the long-term portfolio value distribution. This allows us to construct the likely range of the long-term portfolio value for any given confidence level. Finally, we provide an unbiased forecast of the probability for the long-term portfolio value falling into a given interval. Our unbiased estimators provide a more accurate assessment of the long-term value of a portfolio than the traditional estimators, and are useful for long-term planning and investment.

Keywords: long-term investment, median, quantiles

JEL Classifications: C22, C53, G11, G12

Working Paper Series