Asset Allocation

Asset allocation is the process of distributing portfolio investments among the various asset categories.  Asset categories can include:

  • Cash
  • Large U.S. Stock
    • Growth
    • Value
  • Small U.S. Stocks
    • Growth
    • Value
  • Bonds
    • Government (U.S. & Foreign)
    • Corporate
    • High Yield
    • Municipal
  • Midsize U.S. Stock
    • Growth
    • Value
  • Foreign Stock
    • Large
    • Small
    • Emerging Country
  • Real Estate
  • Annuities
  • REITS
  • Convertibles
  • Precious Metals

The process involves three decisions:

  1. Which investment asset categories should I include?
  2. How much or what percentage into each asset category?
  3. Which investment type vehicle should be used?  Example (individual stocks or mutual funds)