ASSET ALLOCATION
Cardinal Point approaches investing from a scientific perspective. We leverage Modern Portfolio Theory, using mean-variance optimization to help put together the most efficient portfolio allocation possible.
ASSET ALLOCATION
Cardinal Point approaches investing from a scientific perspective. We leverage Modern Portfolio Theory, using mean-variance optimization to help put together the most efficient portfolio allocation possible.
We approach investing from a scientific perspective. We leverage academic research, starting with the pioneering work done by Dr Harry Markowitz, who won the Nobel Prize in 1990 for Modern Portfolio Theory. Markowitz’s now well-known theory uses mean variance optimization to help put together the most efficient portfolio allocation possible, taking into consideration not only the expected returns and volatility of asset classes, but also how the different asset classes covary with one another.
Professors Eugene Fama and Ken French put forth the notion of premiums within different types of stocks with their research on value and small companies. Their work showed that by tilting a portfolio towards stocks which were trading on a cheaper relative basis to their peers, or were smaller, unproven companies, investors could receive positive expected premiums compared to the market over the long term. Later work by others showed similar results when sorting companies by momentum or relative profitability. Sorting stocks in a quantitative manner like this is often known as factor investing or smart beta.
We build our asset allocations by looking first at your desired risk tolerance and risk capacity and then applying academic research to determine first, the balance of stocks and bonds in your portfolio and then the composition of the stock and bond portions. In practice this is done so utilizing a Core and Satellite approach.
Core Areas
This approach assigns the largest weights to those core areas of the market such as:
- US Stocks
- Canadian Stocks
- International Stocks
- Investment Grade bonds
Satellite Positions
We then add on smaller satellite positions with the goals of either higher expected returns or enhanced diversification. Examples of these positions include securities targeting:
- Factor premiums, such as Value, Small, Momentum, or high Profitability stocks
- Low Volatility Stocks
- Real Estate Investment Trusts
- Emerging Market Stocks
- International Bonds
- Market Neutral Strategies
- Commodities
OUR RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Cross Border Financial Planning – Non-Arm’s Length Cross-Border Gifting
When gifting assets in a non-arm’s length transaction, there are many financial and tax complexities to consider based on U.S. and Canadian laws. Where you and the recipient live, their immigration status, and the nature of their relationship all come into play. That’s true whether you give the gift of college tuition or a down payment on a home to a child, you are using an estate planning gifting strategy between spouses to avoid lengthy probate, or you are gifting property like jewelry or automobiles. This article provides insights to help you avoid unwanted and potentially steep tax liability and to ensure a smoother gift giving process.
Cross Border Wealth Management: Navigating your RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a powerful asset when saving to pay for post-secondary education. College tuition had already become almost prohibitively expensive, years before recent historic inflationary pressures made the cost of higher education rise even more dramatically. That’s a constant challenge for parents who want to help fund their children’s post-secondary education. Navigating those challenges becomes more complicated when the RESP subscriber or the beneficiary reside in different countries. This article gives you an informative overview of some of the most common challenges, and insight into the most effective ways to proactively manage an RESP as part of your cross-border tax and financial planning.
Navigating Residency and Income Sourcing for Internationally Mobile Employees in Canada
Traveling across national borders for employment is increasingly common, and many Canadians derive income while working in the U.S. Similarly, many U.S. residents visit Canada to work for Canadian employers. But doing so can potentially expose you to complex tax rules, liabilities, and double taxation. That’s why strategic cross-border tax planning is essential to ensure full compliance with the tax laws of both nations while helping to minimize the taxes you are obligated to pay. This blog explains the nuances of cross-border tax law, how those may impact you, and solutions for navigating the complicated tax regulations.