Dollar-Denominated Returns on French Index Linked Bonds and on Other French Assets

A historical record of returns is provided for major categories of French assets during 1959-1975. The record includes details about index linked bonds, an asset which is rare in the U.S. but common in France. During the sample period, real returns on index bonds were positive and exceeded returns on other types of assets for most holding periods. Index bonds provided a partial hedge against U.S. inflation but short-term French loans provided even a better hedge.