Which of the following would generally suggest a narrower tolerance band?

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.

Which of the following would generally suggest a narrower tolerance band?
A . Assets in the portfolio tend to be illiquid.
B . Highly volatile assets.
C . Correlated portfolio assets.

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

Illiquid assets generally have higher costs associated with buying and selling. In that case, too tight of a

tolerance band (i.e., corridor) could require high costs. The investor should always strive for a happy medium between the need to rebalance and the associated costs. Answers A and C would support wider corridors- (Study Session 16, LOS 46. f)