Find the best asset allocation mix that will maximise your returns (2024)

Find the best asset allocation mix that will maximise your returns (1)

Despite knowing that equities can outperform all other asset classes in the long run, we do not invest all of our money in equities. There are three reasons for this.

One: Equity is the most volatile asset class, and not all of us are comfortable with volatility.

Two: It may be the best-performing asset class over the long term, but not all our goals are long-term. We do need money in the short term; some goals are perhaps three to five years away, and we definitely need some liquid cash for emergencies. And so, what if equity markets are down in the dumps when we need our money the most?

Three: Diversification helps; when one asset class is down, another is up, and your overall portfolio becomes more consistent.

Therefore, this begs the question:

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Which is the best asset allocation?

Moneycontrol Personal Finance ran some numbers. We took the Nifty 500 Total Return Index (TRI) to represent equity, the CRISIL Composite Bond Index as a proxy for fixed-income returns, and the Nippon India ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) Gold BeES for gold. We took seven different asset allocations and chartered their year-on-year (YoY) performance from 2013 to 2023, as well as their three-year, five-year, and 10-year returns.

Asset allocation #1 (Globally recognised and most followed)

Equity: 60%

Debt: 40%

Asset allocation #2 (Equity-tilted; adding a touch of gold)

Equity: 70%

Debt: 20%

Gold: 10%

Asset allocation #3 (Equity-oriented; adding a touch of gold)

Equity: 60%

Debt: 30%

Gold: 10%

Asset allocation #4 (Balanced allocation)

Equity: 50%

Debt: 40%

Gold: 10%

Asset allocation #5 (Balanced allocation)

Equity: 50%

Debt: 30%

Gold: 20%

Asset allocation #6 (Equal weight)

Equity: 34%

Debt: 33%

Gold: 33%

Asset allocation #7 (Fixed income; a touch of gold and equity)

Equity: 20%

Debt: 60%

Gold: 20%

Find the best asset allocation mix that will maximise your returns (5)

Five key takeaways

Is the age of 60-40 over?

The 60:40 (equity-debt) asset allocation is universally accepted as the most basic allocation and has been widely popular for decades. And over the years, it worked well. Between 2013 and 2017, it was one of the best performers annually, except for 2016, when equity markets didn’t do well (Nifty 500 index, the benchmark, gave a return of just 5 percent that year).

Also Read:Mutual Funds Year-end Special 2023: 5 things that impacted how you invested in 2023

This trend is more visible if you take the five-year returns of the asset allocation buckets. Over a five-year period, the 60-40 allocation did exceedingly well, if you look at the performance taken as of the end of 2015 up until 2019. From 2020 onwards, the magic of 60-40 has waned.

A touch of gold helps

Find the best asset allocation mix that will maximise your returns (6)

By just adding a bit of gold to your portfolio, say 10–20 percent, your portfolio can deliver better returns. Thanks to strong equity performance in 2021 and 2023 and also gold’s run in 2023, the 70-20-10 (equity-debt-gold) combination has topped the charts. Even the 50-30-20 combination has done reasonably well since 2020.

On a five-year return basis, calculated at the end of 2020 until 2023, the 70-20-10 combination has given the best return.

Find the best asset allocation mix that will maximise your returns (7)

Equal weight is the most volatile

On a YoY basis, an equal weight combination (34-33-33) is the most volatile. From a loss of 1.8 percent in 2013 to a 15.8 percent return in 2023, this combination gets impacted when any one of its asset classes goes down. Its long-term return has been steadier and not that bad. Between 2013 and 2023, its average five-year return has been 9.8 percent. On account of its passive nature (no matter what, the asset allocation distributes your money equally among all asset classes), its long-term return is one of the lowest.

Also see:This debt fund is a winner, and not just when interest rates start to fall. Here’s why

Asset allocation is important

Where to invest now?Note that the Nifty 500 index has fallen sharply after years in which it has given a good return. In 2014, the Nifty 500 TRI gave a return of 39.30 percent; it fell in 2015 (0.22 percent return). In 2017, it gave a return of 37.78 percent return; it fell in 2018 (a loss of 2.13 percent). In 2023, the Nifty 500 TRI gave a return of 27 percent. Going by anecdotal evidence, it’s best to now adopt an asset allocation strategy to diversify across asset classes and have a comparatively more balanced portfolio.

Don’t go by returns; asset allocation is the key

Is there a best asset allocation? The answer is a resounding ‘NO’. Here’s why.

In the year 2023, the combination with the least amount of equity (20-60-20) gave a return of 12.3 percent. That’s way more than fixed deposits. In 2018, when equity markets were down (the S&P BSE Sensex gave a return of 5.9 percent and the Nifty 500 TRI lost 2.13 percent), the 20-60-20 option gave the best return of all combinations: 4.5 percent. The worst performer that year was 70-20-10).

Where to invest?

If you are a moderate-risk investor, it’s best to start with a 60-30-10 or 70-20-10 allocation. Those of you who have a 60-40 allocation can also add a touch of gold to their portfolios for better diversification.

If you are conservative, then 50-40-10 or 50-30-20 is a good way to start off on your investment journey.

Click here: List of MC30 mutual fund schemes

Find the best asset allocation mix that will maximise your returns (2024)

FAQs

Find the best asset allocation mix that will maximise your returns? ›

If you are a moderate-risk investor, it's best to start with a 60-30-10 or 70-20-10 allocation. Those of you who have a 60-40 allocation can also add a touch of gold to their portfolios for better diversification. If you are conservative, then 50-40-10 or 50-30-20 is a good way to start off on your investment journey.

What is the best asset allocation for income? ›

Income, Balanced and Growth Asset Allocation Models

We can divide asset allocation models into three broad groups: Income Portfolio: 70% to 100% in bonds. Balanced Portfolio: 40% to 60% in stocks. Growth Portfolio: 70% to 100% in stocks.

Which asset class gives the highest return? ›

Which asset class has the best historical returns? The stock market has proven to produce the highest returns over extended periods of time.

What is my ideal asset allocation? ›

Your ideal asset allocation is the mix of investments, from most aggressive to safest, that will earn the total return over time that you need. The mix includes stocks, bonds, and cash or money market securities. The percentage of your portfolio you devote to each depends on your time frame and your tolerance for risk.

What is an example of an asset mix? ›

For an investment fund, asset mix breakdowns are one aspect of regular investment reporting. Fund managers provide investors with detailed percentages invested by each asset category in the portfolio. For example, they may invest 30% of a fund's assets in bonds, 50% of assets in stocks, and 10% in real estate.

What is a good asset allocation mix? ›

If you are a moderate-risk investor, it's best to start with a 60-30-10 or 70-20-10 allocation. Those of you who have a 60-40 allocation can also add a touch of gold to their portfolios for better diversification. If you are conservative, then 50-40-10 or 50-30-20 is a good way to start off on your investment journey.

What is the 12 20 80 asset allocation rule? ›

Set aside 12 months of your expenses in liquid fund to take care of emergencies. Invest 20% of your investable surplus into gold, that generally has an inverse correlation with equity. Allocate the balance 80% of your investable surplus in a diversified equity portfolio.

How do you maximize return on assets? ›

There are a few things that a company can do to improve their return on assets. They can focus on becoming more efficient with their assets, make sure they are using all their assets, or increase their net income.

What asset has the highest ROI? ›

The U.S. stock market is considered to offer the highest investment returns over time. Higher returns, however, come with higher risk. Stock prices typically are more volatile than bond prices.

How to get 10% return on investment? ›

Here's my list of the 10 best investments for a 10% ROI.
  1. How to Get 10% Return on Investment: 10 Proven Ways.
  2. High-End Art (on Masterworks)
  3. Invest in the Private Credit Market.
  4. Paying Down High-Interest Loans.
  5. Stock Market Investing via Index Funds.
  6. Stock Picking.
  7. Junk Bonds.
  8. Buy an Existing Business.
Feb 1, 2024

What is the rule of thumb for asset allocation? ›

For years, a commonly cited rule of thumb has helped simplify asset allocation. According to this principle, individuals should hold a percentage of stocks equal to 100 minus their age. So, for a typical 60-year-old, 40% of the portfolio should be equities.

What is the best portfolio balance by age? ›

For example, if you're 30, you should keep 70% of your portfolio in stocks. If you're 70, you should keep 30% of your portfolio in stocks. However, with Americans living longer and longer, many financial planners are now recommending that the rule should be closer to 110 or 120 minus your age.

Do I have the right asset mix? ›

Your asset mix is determined by your investor profile — the type of investor you are, the level of risk you're comfortable with, your investment goals and your time horizon. These details inform how you allocate your capital to the three main investment asset classes (equities, fixed income and cash) in your portfolio.

What is a balanced asset mix? ›

A balanced portfolio invests in both stocks and bonds to reduce potential volatility. An investor seeking a balanced portfolio is comfortable tolerating short-term price fluctuations, is willing to accept moderate growth, and has a mid- to long-range investment time horizon.

What is a target asset mix? ›

The purpose of the target asset mixes is to show how target asset mixes may be created with different risk and return characteristics to help meet a participant's goals. You should choose your own investments based on your particular objectives and situation. Remember, you may change how your account is invested.

What are examples of asset allocation strategy? ›

For example, a fund normally intends to invest 50% in large cap, 15% in midcap and 35% in debt. If the fund manager thinks that midcaps are very attractive and poised for a rally, he / she might tactically, reduce position in large caps and increase in midcaps and then revert back to the intended asset allocation.

What is the best asset to make money? ›

Consider these 17 assets that can make you rich (with some patience and maintenance) to choose the best investments for your portfolio.
  • Investment properties. ...
  • Real estate trusts. ...
  • Retirement investments. ...
  • Bonds. ...
  • Stocks. ...
  • Farmland. ...
  • Small business investments. ...
  • Money market funds.

What is the recommended allocation of income? ›

Allow up to 50% of your income for needs, including debt minimums. Leave 30% of your income for wants. Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt repayment beyond minimums. Track and manage your budget through regular check-ins.

How should I allocate my income? ›

It's our simple guideline for saving and spending: Aim to allocate no more than 50% of take-home pay to essential expenses, save 15% of pretax income for retirement savings, and keep 5% of take-home pay for short-term savings. (Your situation may be different, but you can use our framework as a starting point.)

What is the ideal allocation of monthly income? ›

The approach's popularity can be found in its simplicity: You divide your income into three pots and allocate it according to the following percentages: 50% goes toward “needs,” such as rent, food and minimum payments on credit cards and other debt; 30% for “wants” such as trips or entertainment; and the remaining 20% ...

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