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Why portfolios may need to evolve in uncertain markets

Alternative strategies may help investors seek diversification, manage volatility and pursue more resilient long-term outcomes

Explore how evolving markets, shifting stock-bond dynamics and heightened uncertainty are shaping the role of alternative investments in diversified portfolios.

 

MARKETS ARE MOVING FAST, and traditional approaches to portfolio diversification may not provide the same risk-management benefits investors have come to expect. As headlines, inflation concerns and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence market behavior, many investors are reassessing how their portfolios are positioned for what comes next.

 

To help put this environment in perspective, Bora Lim, head of Hedge Fund and Alternative Credit Origination for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, sat down with Cliff Asness, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of AQR Capital Management, for this episode of Let’s Talk Alts. In the video above, they discuss whether recent market volatility represents a structural shift, how investors should think about the traditional 60/40 portfolio, and why alternatives may offer the potential to improve diversification and risk-adjusted returns.

 

Also highlighted are key considerations for qualified investors, including how to think about funding an alternatives allocation, the role of equitized alternative strategies and why trend following and value-oriented approaches may be relevant in a more uncertain market backdrop. As investors weigh risks such as equity drawdowns, inflation expectations and geopolitical instability, the conversation reinforces the importance of staying diversified and working closely with an advisor to keep long-term goals in focus.

Important Disclosures

 

Opinions are as of the date of the video and are subject to change.

 

Each video contains its own additional important information and relative risk disclosures that should be reviewed carefully.

 

Alternative Investments are speculative and involve a high degree of risk.

 

Alternative investments are intended for qualified investors only. Alternative Investments such as derivatives, hedge funds, private market offerings, and funds of funds can result in higher return potential but also higher loss potential. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may adversely affect your investments. Before you invest in alternative investments, you should consider your overall financial situation, how much money you have to invest, your need for liquidity, and your tolerance for risk.

 

When considering the appropriateness of mutual funds or Alternative Investments, please be aware that there are significant differences between these investments which will cause their investment portfolios, performance, tax treatment and other factors to differ. These differences include the types, availability and diversity of securities that can be purchased, economies of scale, regulations and other factors applicable to their management.

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