For the past few years, we’ve been saying that traditional strategic asset allocation (SAA) is going to stuggle going forward, and therefore no longer fit for purpose in a world defined by geopolitics, deglobalisation, sticky inflation, and unsustainable debt levels.
For decades, Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) has been the cornerstone of portfolio construction. From super funds to retail advice practices, it became the “default setting” — the framework advisers trusted to manage client capital through all market conditions.
For much of the past four decades, Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) has formed the foundation of portfolio construction. The principle is simple: establish a long-term mix of equities, bonds, and alternatives based on risk tolerance, rebalance periodically, and maintain discipline. In a world of globalisation, falling inflation, and declining interest rates, that framework worked exceptionally well.
For decades, retail investors have been handed the same investment framework: static strategic asset allocation, risk profiles labelled “conservative,” “balanced,” or “growth,” and the assumption that history always repeats. That framework worked in the disinflationary decades of falling rates and globalisation — but today it looks fragile.
Inflation is sticky. Growth is slowing. Debt is piling up. Geopolitical tensions and currency debasement are front-page news. Investors can no longer afford to rely on old rules of thumb.
That’s why we built Dynamic Asset — to change the playbook.
Investors today are navigating one of the most complex market backdrops in decades — inflation risks, geopolitical tensions, shifting central bank policy, and a world in transition from fossil fuels to new technologies.
Against this environment, our Wealth Builder and Wealth Protector portfolios have delivered exceptional results over the past 12 months.
The momentum towards managed accounts is unmistakable. A noteworthy jump from 17% to 56% in the decade to 2023, with Investment Trends highlighting that more advisers are tapping into its potential. By the end of 2022, $144.5B was under management in this model, as noted by IMAP.
Advisers who follow Dynamic Asset will know that we readily share our thoughts on markets, the economy, portfolio management, and ways for advisers to get ahead.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word solution as: the action or process of solving a problem. Using this definition is a helpful way of assessing the benefit of the many investment solutions available to advisers today. Does what's on offer genuinely solve your business problem?
The superannuation and investment market is rapidly transitioning to Managed Accounts, with many also electing to use Managed Portfolio solutions as part of that transition. Funds in Managed Accounts are now estimated to be over $145B*. It's for good reason. Increasing client awareness and the rising costs of compliance reducing adviser margins demand new ways to satisfy clients and drive business efficiency.
