Rather, the long-term rate of return on stocks is determined by the ratio of share price to dividends.

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Lydall ( LDL) lowered its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets to 7.75% for 2012, from a prior 8%.

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Since the tax deal is only for 2011 and 2012, in 2013 the long-term capital gains rate is scheduled to return to the pre-Bush rates, generally 20%.

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He told MPs the plans would lead to a "more predictable and transparent regime" that would "ensure a long-term, predictable rate of return".

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With its dividend return and an expected long-term FFO growth rate of around 7.2%, Taubman Centers appears to be a promising pick for investors seeking both growth and income.

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With its dividend return and an expected long-term FFO growth rate of around 8.1%, Digital Realty appears to be a promising pick for investors seeking both growth and income.

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That is a relatively optimistic prediction, for it would merely return the bankruptcy rate close to its long-term average after an abnormally trouble-free period, and it assumes only a mild recession in America.

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They return about the same as long-term bonds with lower interest-rate risk and pay substantially better than short-term bonds.

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Whether the long-term deficit is closed ultimately by raising taxes or cutting benefits, that will mean the effective rate of return from the program will be lower, ultimately falling into the negative range for everyone.

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