The Universal Calculation Engine
The Universal Calculation Engine

Twenty stocks you picked versus one broad index fund

Part of: Diversification

Compare diversification only after years, contributions, fees, and tax treatment match.

Fair compare

Two strategies can “average the same” with different drawdown paths and tax. Compare spendable dollars, not one headline return.

Rule: same vacancy rule, same loan structure, same reserve, same years. Then rank diversification.

Read both

Headline price or past performance is marketing. Rewrite each option as cash in and out by month or year.

Walk back to Diversification, then reopen Related lesson with your figures.

Check your numbers now

Two real rows

Fund A higher past return, higher fee; Fund B lower fee, broader index. Ten-year spreadsheet may favor B after costs.

Checklist

Looks better firstAfter you align diversification
Higher backtestHigher fee drag
More stocksMore volatility
Familiar brandConcentration risk
Diversification: same rules for both
Then choose

Match rules

Core lesson

Related: Diversification. To test sensitivity, change one input at a time in the calculator.

Use the calculator

FAQ

Where is the main lesson?

Diversification is the hub with related lessons linked from it.

Which calculator should I open first?

Use Investment growth or Lump sum growth for long horizons; Savings goal for targets; Debt payoff when comparing to loans.