Multi-asset portfolio allocation

Barclays Private Bank discusses asset allocation views within the context of a multi-asset class portfolio. Our views elsewhere in the publication are absolute and within the context of each asset class.

Cash and short duration bonds

• Given the heightened level of uncertainty in financial markets, and to manage portfolio risks, we still prefer higher-quality and liquid opportunities.

Fixed income

• We see increasing opportunities in fixed income
• We maintain a preference for developed market government bonds as a hedge against any macro volatility
• In credit, the higher-quality segment is preferred, while remaining selective elsewhere
• In high yield, where selection is key, our exposure is relatively low, as spreads have room to widen further in an adverse scenario
• We are cautious on the emerging markets segment.

Equities

• We believe that equities still seem relatively more appealing than bonds for long-term investors
• Yet, we are highly selective in our allocation
• In line with our long-term investment philosophy, portfolios remain geared towards high-quality, cash-generative and conservatively-capitalised businesses
• As a function of a bottom-up selection, more opportunities are seen in developed market equities compared to their emerging market peers.

Alternative trading strategies (ATS)

• There are a limited number of opportunities in the ATS space, as the cost/benefit trade-off can be challenging
• Our focus is on strategies offering diversification benefits due to their low correlation to equity markets.

Commodities

• As a risk-mitigating asset, gold remains the only direct commodity exposure held in portfolios
• From a portfolio management perspective, we believe that our risk budget is better spent outside of the asset class.