My New Hypothetical Asset Allocation…

In my previous post, I detailed how I would allocate a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio. I had a few goals in mind when I was creating the portfolio:

1. Keep expenses low. Some expense ratios are over 1%, which is a high price to pay if your balanced portfolio returns 8-10% a year.
2. I’m young, so I want a large percentage to be in stocks and just a little in bonds in case we hit a bear market as a minor hedge.
3. I want to be diversified. I had bought individual stocks in the past, but it seemed to be closer to gambling than investing for me. If I had enough money to spread it around amongst many individual stocks, than perhaps I would do that. For this exercise though, it doesn’t make sense for me.

For those that need the refresher, here was the portfolio that I decided on over 4 years ago:

– iShares Russell 2000 Index (IWM) – $25,000
– SPDRs (SPY) – $25,000
– Vanguard Total Intl Stock Index (VGTSX) – $10,000
– Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) – $10,000
– Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU) – $10,000
– iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate (IYR) – $10,000
– Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Adm (VBTLX) – $10,000

And my new portfolio if I could design it today would be:

Domestic Stock ($35,000)
– Vanguard Total Stock Market Index ETF (VTI) – $25,000
– iShares Russell 2000 Index (IWM) or Vanguard Small Cap Index ETF (VB) – $5,000
– SPDRs (SPY) – $5,000

International Stock ($20,000)
– iShares Global S&P 100 (IOO) – $5,000
– Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) – $5,000
– Vanguard European Stock (VGK) – $5,000
– PowerShares China (PGJ) – $5,000

Sectors ($25,000)
– Sector Bets: I typically screen for some under performing sectors. That’s why I stumbled into utilities 4 years ago. That would have been one of my best performers. I love technology so that’s a must for me. I’d take a health care one as an aging baby boomer play. Energy as a hedge against rising gas prices in the future sounds like a smart plan. I’d grab a financial one as well – what’s a better place to put your money than with people who know money?

Real Estate ($10,000)
– Vanguard REIT Index (VNX) – $10,000

Domestic Bonds ($10,000)
– iShares Lehman Aggregate Bond Fund (AGG) or Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Adm (VBTLX) – $10,000

That’s how I’d allocate things today if I could. Finally, it’s disclaimer time. Please don’t consider this financial advice and see your own financial advisor before investing. I’m first and foremost an idiot.