The "Rule of 72" is a great way to calculate compounding interest in your head. To find the number of years it would take a figure to double, simply divide the number 72 by the assumed growth rate. For example, if you think your stock will grow at a rate of 7.2% per year, it will take roughly 10 years for it to double (72 / 7.2 = 10).
If that 7.2% long-term equity growth rate seems too slow, consider that the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX) returned about 5.5% per year on average over the past 10 years, while the S&P 500 has had an annualized return of negative 2.7% over that same time period.
It's been a disappointing decade, to be sure, and many notable companies not only underperformed the bond market, but also posted negative 10-year returns.
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