What Is Asset Rebalancing?

For example, say the stock market experiences a five-year bull run, consistently posting outstanding gains. However, the bond market remains flat over this time period. Although you may have initially allocated a 50-50% split between the two asset classes, you may find that due to its superior performance, stocks now represent 75% of your overall portfolio.

For this reason, it’s necessary to periodically check your portfolio’s asset allocation and ensure it’s still in line to reach your goals. Automatic asset rebalancing programs, frequently offered by mutual fund and annuity companies–make it easy to maintain your asset allocation strategy. Here’s how they work: When you first make the investment, you determine what percentage of assets should go into each fund or portfolio. Thereafter, the investment is periodically rebalanced to adhere to those original allocations.

Life Changes
What to do if changes in your personal life have an effect on your investment’s asset allocation.