WealthVest believes that there is a natural fit for FIAs within optimized portfolios A fixed index annuity is a type of fixed annuity that offers a rate of return based on market performance. An FIA is appropriate for someone who is closer to retirement, prefers tax deferral, principal protection, and market participation. While FIAs may not be appropriate for younger individuals with higher risk tolerance or if they need access to their funds immediately. By allocating 20% of a 60/40 portfolio to an FIA, the portfolio’s risk premium decreases due to the guaranteed protection from the annuity.

WealthVest believes that there is a natural fit for MYGAs within optimized portfolios. A multi-year guaranteed annuity, or MYGA, is a type of fixed annuity that offers a guaranteed fixed interest rate for a certain period, usually from three to ten years. A MYGA is appropriate for someone who is closer to retirement and prefers tax deferral and a guarantee of investment return. By allocating 20% of a 60/40 portfolio to a MYGA, the portfolio’s risk premium decreases thanks to the guaranteed protection from the annuity.

Rethinking 60/40: What can we learn about the years when stocks and bonds are both negative?

In our last blog post, I discussed the underlying reasons for today’s underperformance of 60/40 portfolios, but let’s look at how much of an anomaly today’s times are and where 2022 falls in history. Since 1928, we can glean the underlying reasons a 60/40 portfolio allocation became popular method for investors seeking reliable returns. The chart below shows historical corporate bond yield and the S&P 500® returns by year, demonstrating how often bonds and stocks remained positive. However, looking at the years in which equities and bonds are negative provides important context for the contemporary market environment.

Rethinking 60/40: Why have individuals used 60/40 Allocations for their Retirement Savings?

A portfolio invested in 60% stocks and 40% bonds, commonly known as a 60/40 portfolio, is where many portfolios start before adjusting to a diversified mix based on time horizon, risk tolerance and savings goals. The 60/40 portfolio mix is a tried and true portfolio allocation because it provides market gains during market rallies and fixed income reliability during economic slowdowns. This portfolio is most suitable when interest rates go down, as equities perform well. When interest rates rise, equity returns typically fall.