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In my June 12 Money and Markets column, I said we are living in an unreal world that can be best described by the phrase “stable disequilibrium,” where hyperactive central bankers have become investors’ best friend.
Moreover, I recommended that to build enduring and sustainable value, you should ideally own assets that central bankers can’t print.
While there is no one-size-fits-all investment portfolio for every investor — especially for these uniquely unusual markets — below are seven best-in-class mutual funds balanced across a number of asset classes for growing and protecting your portfolio in the current investment environment. Of course, the specific allocation targets I give are only suggestions. The amount you put in each will depend on your financial situation, risk tolerance and time horizon.
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| A diversified, all-star investment portfolio offers protection against the twin threats of inflation and deflation. |
The managers of these funds are some of the finest and well-respected investors in the world. They directly manage the portfolios of some of the world’s wealthiest families and institutions. They are truly all-star investors.
Mutual Fund #1 — 10 Percent
SIT Quality Income Fund (SQIFX)
SQIFX provides the safety of short-term U.S. government securities along with a modest monthly cash yield of about 1.3 percent (annualized). Although the expected total return will come mostly from the current yield, it should provide stability in an uncertain market and a store of buying power when market prices become more reasonable.
Mutual Fund #2 — 15 Percent
T. Rowe Price Floating Rate Fund (PRFRX)
This fund offers a monthly cash yield of 3.2 percent (annualized) with the opportunity for increases. Since the fund invests primarily in corporate floating-rate securities, the yield will adjust as market interest rates change. And this holding should provide some downside protection to your overall portfolio if the equity markets head south.
Mutual Fund #3 — 25 Percent
Jensen Quality Growth Fund (JENSX)
Here the managers seek long-term capital appreciation by investing in a group of carefully selected high-quality U.S. companies that have a global distribution network. Holdings include: PepsiCo (PEP), United Technologies (UTX) and Omnicom Group (OMC).
Mutual Fund #4 — 20 Percent
SIT U.S. Dividend Fund (SDVSX)
This fund invests in blue-chip U.S. companies with a strong global presence that pay a generous dividend yield. Its top holdings include: Chevron (CVX), Microsoft (MSFT), and Procter & Gamble (PG). The fund pays a base dividend of about 1.4 percent, which should provide a downside cushion when stock markets fall.
Mutual Fund #5 — 15 Percent
Tweedy Browne Global Value Fund (TBGVX)
Here you can invest in a fund that holds high-quality, dividend-paying foreign companies leveraged to potential growth in emerging markets. With the European markets currently stressed and out of favor, there is the contrarian opportunity for profits as price-to-earnings multiples expand on the other side of the Atlantic.
Mutual Fund #6 — 10 Percent
Harding Loevner Emerging Markets Fund (HLEMX)
HLEMX invests directly in emerging markets that have the fastest-growing economies in the world, such as Mexico, Taiwan and Russia. And it’s expected that rapid earnings growth in these regions will propel this fund upward.
Mutual Fund #7 — 5 Percent
SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)
You should also consider including a fund that serves a dual purpose: Protection in the event of a financial crisis and a hedge against inflation, should it suddenly appear. In both instances, increased demand for gold should drive prices higher.
This suggested portfolio provides protection against the twin threats of inflation and deflation, with PRFRX and GLD defending against both rising interest rates and a slowing economy. JENSX, SDVSX, TBGVX, and HLEMX are all well-positioned to move upward should the market continue its ascent.
Looking forward, I believe stocks have many reasons to rise, but a strong thread of caution should still be woven into every portfolio.
Best wishes,
Bill
Bill Hall is the editor of the Safe Money Report. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Besides his editorial duties with Weiss Research, Bill is the managing director of Plimsoll Mark Capital, a firm that provides financial, tax and investment advice to wealthy families all over the world.