Deciding Asset Allocation
SIMI
typically uses a "balanced" approach to portfolio development, meaning that
clients own a mix of stocks, bonds, and various "alternative investments"
such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and commodity-type funds. Our quarterly review of each account's asset mix may result in
changes to the mix depending on quantitative factors such as changing asset class valuations
and market volatility, as well as qualitative factors including political risks,
global trends, and the client's investment objectives and risk-taking
capability.
Diversification
We
stress diversification as a key component of portfolio design. In stock
portfolios, investments are typically diversified across
major domestic and global economic sectors. SIMI may augment individual security selection with
managed, index or exchange-traded funds. Diversification substantially
reduces the likelihood of major portfolio swings beyond the securities markets'
normal fluctuations.