60/40 Portfolio Monthly Return Decomposition The classic 60/40 portfolio slid 3.7% in March as stocks and bonds dropped in tandem. Such lockstep declines aren’t unusual when markets brace for higher prices or sticky inflation ahead. Image: J.P. Morgan Asset Management
U.S. Equities – Net Portfolio Equity Flows Investors can’t seem to get enough of U.S. stocks. Net inflows in 2025 topped an amount equal to about 2% of GDP, an intensity the market hasn’t seen in years. Clearly, investors still see plenty of upside in U.S. equities. Image: Deutsche Bank
Bloomberg’s Global 60/40 Equity/Fixed Income Portfolio The global 60/40 portfolio has hit a record high, showing fresh momentum and reaffirming its role as a cornerstone for investors seeking balance and steady long-term gains. Image: Deutsche Bank
Retail Traders Average Portfolio Stock Allocation and Investment Managers Average Stock Exposure Over the past two decades, periods when both retail and professional traders were this heavily long have often been followed by S&P 500 underperformance in the following one to three months. Image: Bloomberg
Returns – Global Equities vs. Global Bonds vs. Gold vs. World Portfolio Since 1950, the world portfolio has earned a real 4.1% annual return — global equities led with 7.3%, gold lagged at 2.5%, and global bonds barely reached 1.8%. The long-run verdict is clear: equities have won. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
World Portfolio The world’s portfolio remains tilted toward the U.S.—in both stocks and bonds. Gold holds a modest 6%, while crypto barely cracks 1%. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 vs. 60/40 Portfolio Since 2020, the S&P 500 has delivered higher returns than the 60/40 portfolio but with greater volatility, while the 60/40 portfolio has provided more stability at the cost of lower overall gains. Image: Bloomberg
Risk Parity Model Portfolio Weights In risk-parity strategies, the current equity allocation is at the 8th percentile—well below the median—reflecting a preference for safer assets despite the ongoing equity rally. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
Real Total Return Performance of U.S. 60/40 Portfolio The term “lost decade” for the traditional 60/40 portfolio holds historical significance, especially during the period from 2000 to 2009, when investors faced a real loss. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Are You More Likely to Increase or Decrease Bond Portfolio Duration Over the Coming Days/Weeks? JPM reports that only 29% of their clients are considering reducing the duration of their bond portfolios, indicating a strong tendency towards potentially increasing or maintaining the duration. Image: J.P. Morgan
Return – Aggresive vs. Conservative Portfolios Aggressive portfolios have historically demonstrated a greater ability to preserve capital compared to conservative portfolios. Image: BofA Research Investment Committee