Episode 343 - How to Choose an Asset Allocation

Choosing an asset allocation is a crucial investment decision, as it determines expected returns and risk exposure. During this episode, we uncover what this means, exploring topics such as why risk may not always be the best assessment method. We unpack the three factors that John Grable's risk profiling framework considers: behavioural loss tolerance, the ability to take risk (which assesses the financial capacity to withstand losses without affecting lifestyle), and the need to take risk. Many investors sabotage their returns by selling after losses and buying after gains, and we discuss the reasons behind this. We also explore why stocks tend to become less risky over long horizons, while bonds can be vulnerable to inflation and interest rate changes, before explaining why investors should focus on compensated risks. In the aftershow, we address listener comments on absolute returns, XEQT, why we have made certain sponsorship decisions, and more. To gain a deeper understanding of risk and avoid common pitfalls that can undermine your returns, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:05:10) The critical importance of choosing an asset allocation and understanding risk.
(0:08:35) How behavioural loss tolerance impacts asset allocation.
(0:18:42) Psychological theory on risk tolerance and willingness to engage in financial behavior.
(0:30:48) Assessing your need to take risks.
(0:39:24) Why market volatility is not where the true risks lie.
(0:47:42) Private credit, other portfolio alternatives, and GICs.
(0:53:03) The aftershow: demystifying the AMA controversy.
(1:00:20) Absolute returns, XEQT, and sponsorship on the Rational Reminder. (1:12:05) An update on Ben's health and what he has learned from this experience.

Links From Today's Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p
Rational Reminder on iTunes — itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-remin…. Rational Reminder Website — rationalreminder.ca
Rational Reminder on Instagram — instagram.com/rationalreminder
Rational Reminder on X — x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder
Rational Reminder on YouTube — youtube.com/channel
Rational Reminder Email — info@rationalreminder.caBenjamin Felix — pwlcapital.com/our-team
Benjamin on X — x.com/benjaminwfelix
Benjamin on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix
Cameron Passmore — pwlcapital.com/our-team
Cameron on X — x.com/CameronPassmore
Cameron on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore
Mark McGrath on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/markmcgrathcfp Mark McGrath on X — x.com/MarkMcGrathCFP
Dan Bortolotti — pwlcapital.com/our-team
Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310
Canadian Couch Potato Blog — canadiancouchpotato.com
Canadian Couch Potato Podcast — canadiancouchpotato.com/podcast

Papers From Today's Episode:
'The Grable and Lytton risk-tolerance scale: a 15-year retrospective' — static.arnaudsylvain.fr/2017/03/The-Grable-and…

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (thepodcastconsultant.com)