What do I believe?
I believe that under normal market conditions, the core tenants of Modern Portfolio Theory hold true. Modern portfolio theory (MPT) is a theory on how risk-averse investors can construct portfolios to potentially maximize expected return based on a given level of market risk. Also, I believe that there are times when adding or reducing exposure to risk assets can benefit clients. The client is always the captain of the ship; they set the parameters around the level of risk that I will take within a given strategy. I believe it is my responsibility to help clients discover their comfort level with investing.
Why do I believe it?
Between 1926 and 2019, the S&P 500 has provided an annual average return of 10%. The U.S. stock market can provide investors with a way to invest wealth while striving to keep ahead of inflation. An investor's success with pursuing their goals can be partly rooted in the investor's ability to withstand the ups and downs of the markets. One of the benefits of diversification is that it allows the investor to help mitigate the large swings within their portfolio. It can also help address individual security risk, commonly referred to as idiosyncratic risk. No one, including myself, can control or predict the markets. However, through the principles of diversification, I am able to potentially help reduce individual security risks within a client's portfolio.
Why does it matter?
Clients come to me with different goals in mind. Often, that goal is retirement planning. After a client retires, it may become more about keeping pace with inflation, generating retirement income, or passing on assets to the next generation. For younger clients, it can be about buying a home, picking the right benefit package at work or college planning for children. Having a clear understanding of my client's goals and financial situation allows me to select an investment strategy to matches the clients objective. Yes, everyone wants to make money, but without a plan, things can become foggy. Investors often begin chasing returns, listening to market experts, or reading the latest report on who the next big company could be.
Why I think my approach is better?
What I have learned over the last seventeen years is, keep it simple. I believe in diversification with a tactical overlay. A tactical overlay is when instead of looking at how an investment may perform over the next 5-10 years, the view is shortened to what I believe may happen over the next 12-18 months. I would define myself as a trend follower. I follow the trend and not what is being discussed on the financial news. I keep the data that I use to make decisions clear, concise, and straightforward. I am and have always been a believer in following a process. Why? It quiets down the noise and allows me to see what is happening within the economy and the markets.
There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results
