Investment advisors and managers assume too much financial sophistication among their clients, or benefit from their lack thereof. At the end of the day, there are only three questions that matter: How much can't you afford to lose, How much do need, and When do you need it?
The answers to these simple questions determine the size of your "Safe Haven Portfolio" allocation relative to your "Risky Asset Portfolio" allocation. If you have the answers to these questions, we can easily construct an investment plan that suits your needs and time horizons.
Roadstead, the Safe Haven portfolio should not be confused with the Riskless Portfolio; all investments entail some risk of loss or underperformance. That said, the Safe Haven portfolio is comprised of holdings in less-credit risky fixed income investments such as obligations of developed country governments like the United States, the Federal Republic of Germany, and other issuers that are generally considered to be responsible.
Just as Roadstead isn't riskless, Whaleroad, the Risk-Seeking portfolio, isn't unsafe; rather, the Risky Asset portfolio contains holdings in highly liquid, publicly traded equity securities that are managed by cost-efficient, established mangers that also manage funds for the world's largest investors.
The Risky Asset portfolio generally invests in the following types of investments: large-, mid- and small-capitalization stocks in developed markets; real estate investment trusts in developed markets; equities and governmental obligations in developing markets; and industrial and agricultural commodities. It generally excludes investment grade and high yield corporate debt, the general obligations of municipalities, and sector-specific or thematic equity investments.
From time to time, pricing inefficiencies in markets warrant the inclusion of some or other of these investments, but these judgments are made on an opportunistic basis and are not considered core holdings.
ESG-Informed Investing
Incorporating non-Economic Factors
"In the long run, we are all dead[.]" wrote the great Economist John Maynard Keynes. He meant it as a justification for government intervention in times of financial crisis. Today the same rationale justifies using your investment dollars to vote for the responsible use of capital. It is no use being rich if there is no planet left to be rich on.
For this reason, goodstead implements its clients' investment strategies in a manner consistent with a bias toward ESG principles. Where ESG-screened funds are available that do not unnecessarily disadvantage our client, we select those over others. This has the effect of rewarding companies with demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship, the respect of human and labor rights, and accountable corporate governance.
