Speed Read: What is Asset Allocation?
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Simply
put, asset allocation is distribution of investible surplus money into various
asset classes, such as equities, commodities, bonds, or real estate. The
purpose of asset allocation is to achieve an investor’s objectives from
investments and to moderate investment risks.
Let
us assume an individual investor has $ 1,000,000 of available funds to invest
in some asset classes. She has to make a decision regarding the asset mix – how
much amount to put in equities, how much in bonds or commodities or how much in
other asset classes. While deciding the asset mix, she needs to keep in mind
her investment goals, her risk appetite, time period of investments, tax
concerns and her personal situation.
Institutional
investors also, more or less, follow a similar approach though institutional
investors have larger resources, their investment universe is bigger, they have
higher regulatory hurdles, and they have both assets and liabilities to take
care of more seriously.
Asset
allocation is not static, it is a dynamic process. It is an important part of an investor’s
portfolio management process. Before deciding on the asset allocation, the
following aspects need to be examined thoroughly:
1.
Risk tolerance – the ability and
willingness to take risk
2.
Expected return – the expected return
from the proposed investments
3.
Liquidity needs – any requirement for
cash in the near term
4.
Tax concerns – tax concessions, if
any or the investor’s tax bracket
5.
Personal situation – e.g., an
investor has no time or expertise
6.
Time horizon – investment’s time
period like, one year, 5 years or more
There
are several types of asset allocation. Strategic asset allocation (SAA)
involves specifying an investor’s long-term return objectives, depending on investor’s
ability & willingness to take risk, market expectations and investment
constraints.
Another
major type of asset allocation is tactical asset allocation, which focuses on
making short-term changes to weights of asset classes based on short-term view
on market performance of selected asset classes.
Related: Understanding Asset Allocation 14Oct2012
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Related: Understanding Asset Allocation 14Oct2012
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Disclaimer:
The author is an investment analyst, equity investor and freelance writer. This
write-up is for information purposes only and should not be taken as investment
advice. Investors are advised to consult their financial advisor before taking
any investment decisions. He blogs at:
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