Using a pretty simple formula involving CPI , we can adjust the stock chart to show real returns instead of nominal returns. Real returns represent a more accurate picture of the return of the stock over time. In addition, we can easily adjust returns for dividends and estimated taxes.
Bond funds like the SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF (SPMB) often look like money-losers when you view their returns on a non-adjusted basis. In this case, the price is down about -0.74% over the life of the fund.
The picture looks very different when you adjust for dividends. For SPMB, the return changes to +46.09% over the life of the fund:
That's...