5 Things to Know About Asset Allocation in Mutual Funds

Asset allocation is putting your money across different asset classes - stocks, bonds, real estate, cash and commodities. Asset allocation ensures that you get the best returns out of your savings. Here are five things that an individual must know about asset allocation.

Asset allocation is not diversification

A lot of times people use the words asset allocation and diversification interchangeably. However, one needs to understand that these are two different terms. Asset allocation is the process of deciding the amount of exposure one needs to have in different asset classes. On the other hand, diversification is what you invest within these asset classes.

Asset allocation could be tactical

An investment strategy is planned to achieve long-term goals. A mutual fund invests in stocks which the fund manager believes will give higher returns in the future. Sometimes, a fund manager thinks that a particular fund will give good returns in the short-term but also has the potential to give superior returns in the long-term. Investment moves are based on what the fund manager thinks and this is known as tactical approach.

Asset allocation is not standard

Asset allocation differs based on the age and risk appetite of an investor. An individual who plans to retire next year will have a different asset allocation than a person who is a young entrepreneur. Asset allocation also differs depending upon the income stream of an individual. An individual with a fixed and regular income stream can have a more aggressive asset allocation than a person whose income is not regular.

Asset allocation could be dynamic

A dynamic asset allocation model is the one when a fund manager makes changes in the portfolio which reflects the most recent changes. These changes should be made keeping the long-term performance of the asset in mind. The riskiness of assets change with time.

Asset allocation needs periodic rebalancing

The asset allocations in our portfolio fluctuate every year depending on market fluctuations. Some assets may have performed extremely well in one year, while some may have underperformed in that period. Periodic rebalancing is required as it reduces volatility in the portfolio.