Dynamic Asset Allocation

Dynamic asset allocation is a portfolio management strategy that frequently adjusts the mix of asset classes to suit market conditions. Adjustments usually involve reducing positions in the worst performing asset classes while adding to positions in the best performing assets.

The general premise of dynamic asset allocation is to respond to current risks and downturns and take advantage of trends to achieve returns that exceed a targeted benchmark, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 index (S&P 500). There is typically no target asset mix, as investment managers can adjust portfolio allocations as they see fit. The success of dynamic asset allocation depends on the portfolio manager making good investment decisions at the right time. Dynamic asset allocation is just one portfolio management strategy available to investors. (For more, see: 6 Asset Allocation Strategies That Work.)

Suppose global equities enter a six-month bear market. An investment manager using dynamic asset allocation may decide to reduce a portfolio’s equity holdings and increase its fixed-interest assets to reduce risk. For example, if the portfolio was initially equities heavy, the manager may sell some of its equity holdings and purchase bonds. If economic conditions improve, the manager may increase the portfolio’s equity allocation to take advantage of a more bullish outlook for stocks.

• Performance: Investing in the best performing asset classes ensures investors’ portfolios have the highest exposure to momentum and reap returns if the trend continues. Conversely, portfolios that use dynamic asset allocation reduce asset classes that are trending lower to help minimize losses. (To learn more about improving portfolio returns, see: 6 Ways To Improve Your Portfolio Returns Today.)
• Diversification: Dynamic asset allocation exposes a portfolio to multiple asset classes to help manage risk. Portfolio managers may make investments in equities, fixed interest, mutual funds, index funds, currencies and derivatives. Top performing asset classes can help offset underperforming assets if the manager makes a bad call.

• Active Management: Actively adjusting portfolio allocations to meet changing market conditions takes time and resources. Investment managers need to keep up-to-date with breaking macro- and company-specific news to determine its impact on various asset classes. Additional research analysts may need to be hired to help ensure the correct investment decisions get made.
• Transaction Costs: Dynamic asset allocation involves frequently buying and selling different assets. This increases transaction costs that reduce the portfolio’s overall return. If most holdings in the portfolio are trending higher, a management strategy the favors buy-and-hold investing, such as constant-weighted asset allocation, may outperform dynamic asset allocation due to fewer transaction costs.