Redefining and Realigning the 60/40 Portfolio

Although the traditional asset allocation portfolio mix of 60% stocks and 40% bonds has been a widely adopted investment approach that has spanned decades, a lower interest rate environment coupled with the underperformance of equities and bonds, has investors questioning the validity of the 60-40 asset allocation model. While we also see this portfolio structure as flawed, it’s not for the reasons that others have suggested. In this episode, PGIM Fixed Income’s Tom McCartan, FIA, CFA, Custom Multi-Sector and Multi-Sector LDI Portfolio Manager, and Tyler Thorn, of the multi-sector portfolio management team, shed light on why it’s not the idea, but rather the objective and execution that is flawed, as these traditional models overly emphasize asset returns and asset volatility, rather than focusing more on investors’ long-term outcomes. Tom and Tyler explain why the low level of bond yields should not alter one’s asset allocation mix, highlight the different types of risk premia available to investors, and dive into why investors should begin to shift away from near-term, asset-based targets to longer-term, outcome-based objectives. The duo concludes this episode by giving their suggestions on how investors can refine and realign their current portfolios to optimize their outcomes. Recorded on May 17, 2022.