Optimality of financial planning clients' strategic asset allocation

Abstract

In this paper, the optimality of Australian financial planning clients’ asset allocations are analysed using the mean-variance formulation of the Modern Portfolio Theory. The asset allocations recommended by financial planning groups are examined. The mean-variance characteristics of the various asset classes are derived from historical indices, using last 21 years data and last 5 years data. The return-risk values of the recommended portfolios are determined and a simple method of iso-risk maximum return calculation using the Excel Solver command is utilised to determine the corresponding optimal portfolios. The recommended portfolios were found to have expected returns that are around 8% and 32% below optimal returns based on last 21 years data and last 5 years data, respectively.