There can be big differences between asset class returns, as well as differences within asset classes. Why do some great funds look like dogs compared to their competitors?  How can there be over a 20% one year difference in return between two funds in the same asset class?  Paul examines these questions and recommends investors use the quilt chart constructed by Daryl Bahls to understand the randomness of short-term returns. He suggests reviewing any period of 10 to 20 years to see the movement from the best to worst from one year to the next.