Wealth Management’s top economist, Frederick Milton, is an economic cycle forecaster- Milton’s economic forecasts indicate an economic upswing that will impact all goods and services sectors. Milton presents his economic findings to the rest of Wealth Management’s professionals at their monthly meeting. All are excited about Milton’s forecast of an improving economic condition that should translate into a steadily rising stock market.

Wealth Management’s top economist, Frederick Milton, is an economic cycle forecaster- Milton’s economic forecasts indicate an economic upswing that will impact all goods and services sectors. Milton presents his economic findings to the rest of Wealth Management’s professionals at their monthly meeting. All are excited about Milton’s forecast of an improving economic condition that should translate into a steadily rising stock market.

Nathaniel Norton and Timothy Tucker have confidence in Milton’s capabilities and decide to meet with their clients. Their first meeting is with Elizabeth Mascarella to whom Norton recommends a dynamic asset allocation strategy to take advantage of Milton’s forecast.

However, Mascarella is concerned because the somewhat persistent back-and-forth of economic activity has translated into an oscillating stock market. Mascarella questions Norton’s recommendation and asks Tucker which strategy should be followed if the market continues as it has, instead of making such "wonderful" strides.

It is one year later and Frederick Milton’s economic forecast has been correct, and the market has trended upward as expected. Mascarella’s strategic allocation to equity, which was $600,000 of a total portfolio of $1,000,000, has increased 20%. Her overall portfolio, which contains equity, debt, and some cash, is now valued at $1,150,000. Tucker meets with Mascarella and indicates it may be time to rebalance her portfolio.

Mascarella has instructed Tucker to rebalance annually to maintain a corridor of ± 5% for equity. Given the constraint, Tucker should:
A . reallocate an additional $50,000 to equity.
B . reallocate the entire $120,000 to debt and cash.
C . make no adjustments.

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

The portfolio has increased from $1,000,000 to $1,150,000, representing a 20% increase ($120,000) in equities and a $30,000 increase in debt and cash ($1,150,000 ― $720,000 = $430,000). Since equities now represent 62.6% (= 720,000 / 1,150,000) of the portfolio and their strategic allocation is 60%, Tracman should take no action. (Study Session 16, LOS 46.f)