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Recommended 2020 Portfolio Asset Allocation
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Recommended 2020 Portfolio Asset Allocation
Asset Allocation Rationale
The role of asset allocation is paramount for the Hewlett Foundation , as it directly
influences the foundation's ability to achieve its financial and philanthropic objectives. Hewlett
Foundation manages a substantial endowment (Viceira & Tung, 2006). As such, prudent asset
allocation is crucial to fulfill its dual mission of maintaining the long-term purchasing power of
the endowment while distributing funds to support charitable activities. Moreover, the
foundation's overarching objective is to balance the need for growth with the necessity to
preserve capital to ensure the continuity of its philanthropic endeavors. The right asset allocation
strategy is the linchpin for achieving these objectives.
In the earlier years of the foundation's endowment, when the portfolio was relatively
smaller, a more conservative asset allocation might have been prudent (Viceira & Tung, 2006). A
larger allocation to fixed income securities would help preserve capital, while a smaller
allocation to riskier assets like equities would mitigate the potential for significant losses. This
approach aligns with the foundation's need to ensure the stability of its endowment while
maintaining resources for philanthropic activities.
As the portfolio has grown, the allocation strategy can evolve to incorporate a more
diversified mix of asset classes. A larger endowment size provides the flexibility to allocate a
more substantial portion to equities or alternative assets, which typically have the potential for
higher returns over the long term (Viceira & Tung, 2006). This shift toward a diversified
approach supports the foundation's objective of growing the endowment to ensure its
sustainability.
In a dynamic and ever-evolving market landscape, the Hewlett Foundation's portfolio
3
management team recognizes the importance of regularly reassessing and adjusting the asset
allocation strategy. This adaptability is vital in ensuring that the portfolio remains consistent with
the foundation's financial and philanthropic goals, effectively harnessing the power of asset
allocation to secure its long-term mission.
Specific Asset Recommendations
Equity securities represent ownership stakes in publicly traded companies, offering the
potential for capital appreciation over time. Investing in equities enables stakeholders to
participate in the growth and profitability of these companies (Yang, 2021). In the case of the
Hewlett Foundation, incorporating equity securities into the portfolio can bolster the potential for
long-term growth, aligning with their mission of preserving the endowment's purchasing power.
Portfolio recommendations for equity securities should strike a balance between risk and
return, diversifying holdings to mitigate the potential impact of market fluctuations. For the
Hewlett Foundation, this may involve considering various equity subcategories, such as U.S.
domestic equities, international developed equities, and emerging market equities, to harness
opportunities in different regions while managing risk (Yang, 2021). Given the foundation's long-
term investment horizon and the foundation's objective to grow the endowment, a sizeable
allocation to equities could be considered. This allocation may be informed by a mix of low-cost
index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed to track specific market indices, as these
instruments offer broad market exposure with minimized fees.
Debt securities encompass various fixed-income investments, including government and
corporate bonds. These securities provide regular interest payments, making them suitable for
income generation and risk mitigation (Yang, 2021). In the context of the Hewlett Foundation,
debt securities can offer stability and consistent income streams, ensuring the preservation of
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capital while generating funds for charitable activities.
The portfolio recommendations for debt securities should incorporate a blend of
government and corporate bonds, reflecting the foundation's risk tolerance and income
objectives. Government bonds, particularly those issued by highly rated entities, can provide a
safe haven for capital preservation, making them an attractive option for the foundation's risk-
averse approach (Yang, 2021). In contrast, corporate bonds offer slightly higher yields, albeit
with a higher level of risk, and may be considered for their potential to enhance income
generation.
Balancing the allocation between government and corporate bonds can be a nuanced
process. Given the Hewlett Foundation's conservative approach, a higher percentage of the
portfolio may be allocated to government bonds. However, to optimize returns and maintain a
level of income, a portion of the portfolio can be dedicated to corporate bonds with strong credit
ratings to strike a balance between stability and yield.
Portfolio Under Bull Market
As the Hewlett Foundation endeavors to preserve and grow its endowment to further its
philanthropic objectives, crafting a tailored asset allocation strategy during a bull market is
imperative. Such an approach optimizes returns while safeguarding against excessive risks,
staying true to the foundation's mission and the need for robust yet prudent investment
management.
A bull market is a financial environment marked by rising asset prices, often supported
by a robust economy, positive investor sentiment, and expectations of sustained growth (Kuang,
2021). It can span various asset classes, including equities, bonds, real estate, and commodities,
each influenced by distinct market dynamics. For the Hewlett Foundation, a bull market presents
5
an opportune time to maximize investment returns without recklessly exposing the endowment to
undue risk.
The primary focus of asset allocation lies in optimizing equity exposure, particularly
within domestic and international markets. Equities, known for their potential to deliver
substantial capital appreciation, are key components for capitalizing on the upward momentum
of a bull market (Kuang, 2021). The foundation should consider dedicating a significant portion
of its investment portfolio to equity securities to harness these growth opportunities.
Given the Hewlett Foundation's strategic goals, allocating to equity subcategories such as
U.S. domestic equities, international developed equities, and emerging market equities can
further diversify the portfolio's risk and return profile. In a bull market, international and
emerging market equities can offer enhanced growth prospects, given the potential for robust
economic performance in different regions (Kuang, 2021). Selecting low-cost index funds or
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track relevant market indices provides a cost-effective way to
access these opportunities (Kuang, 2021).
However, diversification should not solely focus on equities. During a bull market, it may
be prudent to explore other growth-oriented assets, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs)
or private equity investments, which could contribute to the portfolio's overall
performance(Kuang, 2021). These assets can offer an additional layer of diversification,
capitalizing on property and venture capital investments, while remaining congruent with the
foundation's investment objectives.
While a bull market can present abundant growth potential, it is imperative to maintain a
balanced allocation that aligns with the Hewlett Foundation's risk tolerance. Diversification
among various asset classes, even in the midst of optimism, serves as a risk management
6
strategy(Kuang, 2021). This diversified approach spreads risk across different assets and
geographical regions, ensuring that the portfolio is not overly concentrated in a single market or
sector.
Portfolio Under Bear Market
The Hewlett Foundation seeks to preserve and grow its endowment to support its
philanthropic objectives. Therefore, crafting a carefully tailored asset allocation strategy during a
bear market is essential. This approach emphasizes risk mitigation and capital preservation while
adhering to the foundation's mission and its commitment to sound investment management.
A bear market is an economic phase characterized by prolonged declines in asset prices
across various classes such as equities, bonds, real estate, and commodities. It often arises amid
economic contractions, corporate challenges, or external shocks, leading to investor anxiety and
an increased desire to preserve capital (Munk, 2018). In such a scenario, the Hewlett Foundation
faces the challenge of designing an asset allocation strategy that safeguards its endowment while
mitigating potential losses.
During bear markets, fixed-income assets, such as government and corporate bonds,
become essential components of the portfolio. These securities are known for providing regular
income and are typically less susceptible to the sharp declines experienced by equities (Munk,
2018). For the Hewlett Foundation, increasing the allocation to fixed-income assets can act as a
buffer against severe market losses while maintaining a regular income stream.
Options and hedging strategies can play a crucial role in a bear market scenario.
Protective options, such as put options or collars, offer insurance against sharp equity declines.
Put options allow the foundation to sell stocks at a pre-determined price, safeguarding against
further depreciation. Collar strategies combine buying put options with selling call options to
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generate income and protect the downside (Munk, 2018). By judiciously implementing these
strategies, the foundation can minimize the impact of declining equity values while maintaining
an effective hedge against bearish market conditions.
Alternative investments, including assets like hedge funds and managed futures, are
specifically structured to withstand market downturns. During a bear market, these assets can
offer lower correlations with traditional asset classes, reducing the overall portfolio's
vulnerability to market declines (Munk, 2018). They can act as a valuable diversification tool,
potentially generating positive returns or limiting losses even when equities are performing
poorly.
Portfolio Under Stable Market Conditions
During stable market conditions, the Hewlett Foundation should embrace a balanced
asset allocation strategy, emphasizing stability over aggressive growth. Diversified asset classes,
encompassing both equities and fixed-income securities, should take center stage. This approach
ensures that the foundation maintains equilibrium while prioritizing consistency in performance
(Chen & Tian, 2014). By sustaining a judicious mix of equities and fixed-income assets, the
foundation can navigate the challenges of stable market conditions, aligning its investment
strategy with its mission, and progressing toward its philanthropic objectives with resilience and
stewardship.
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References
Chen, X., & Tian, W. (2014). Optimal portfolio choice and consistent performance.
Decisions in
Economics and Finance, 37
, 453-474. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10203-013-0154-X
Munk, C. (2018). Dynamic Asset Allocation.
Behavioral Finance for Private Banking.
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119453697.ch8
Kuang, W. (2021). Is hedge fund a hedge for equity markets?
Applied Economics, 54
, 3154 -
3179.https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2021.2003748
Viceira, L. M., & Tung, H. T. (2006). Investment Policy at the Hewlett Foundation (2005).
Harvard Business School
.
Yang, X. (2021). Economic Theory Foundations for the Long-Term Investment.
Wealth
Management eJournal.
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3806946
9
Appendices
Historical Portfolio Performance
Year
Portfolio Return
(%)
Benchmark Return (%)
2017
12.5
10.8
2018
9.2
8.3
2019
14.1
12.6
2020
7.8
6.5
2021
10.2
9.7
Asset Allocation Recommendations for 2020
Asset Class
Recommended (%)
Portfolio Size
($)
Equities
60
$4,000,000
Fixed Income
30
$2,000,000
Real Assets
7
$500,000
Alternatives
3
$200,000
Portfolio Performance Under Different Market Conditions
Market
Condition
Portfolio Return (%)
Benchmark Return (%)
Bull Market
15.2
14.5
Bear Market
2.3
1.8
Stable Market
8.9
8.7
Portfolio Rebalancing Strategy
Year
Asset Class
Target Allocation
(%)
Actual Allocation
(%)
Rebalance
Action
2020
Equities
60
63
Sell
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2020
Fixed Income
30
28
Buy
2020
Real Assets
7
6
Buy
2020
Alternatives
3
3
No action
Case Study: Portfolio Performance in a Bear Market
Year
Portfolio Return (%)
Benchmark Return (%)
2020
-5.2
-8.1
2021
1.4
-1.7
Case Study: Portfolio Performance in a Bull Market
Year
Portfolio Return (%)
Benchmark Return (%)
2022
18.9
17.5
2023
16.3
15.9
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