As a high net worth individual or family, managing your wealth effectively requires a deep understanding of various investment management styles. Each style has its own unique approach, catering to different financial goals, risk tolerances, and investment horizons. By aligning your investment strategy with the appropriate management style, you can maximize returns, mitigate risks, and achieve your long-term financial objectives.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most prevalent investment management styles, their characteristics, and their suitability for high net worth investors. We'll also delve into the latest trends and insights from industry experts, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your investment portfolio.

‍

Growth Investing Style

The growth investing style focuses on companies with strong potential for future growth and capital appreciation. Growth investors seek out companies with innovative products or services, disruptive business models, and a track record of consistent revenue and earnings growth. These companies often reinvest a significant portion of their profits back into the business to fuel expansion and maintain their competitive edge.

Growth investors are willing to pay a premium for these high-growth stocks, anticipating that their future earnings and cash flows will justify the higher valuation. This style is particularly attractive for high net worth investors with a long-term investment horizon and a higher risk tolerance, as growth stocks can experience significant volatility in the short term.

According to a recent study by PwC, "High net worth individuals are increasingly seeking exposure to high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy."¹  This trend aligns with the growth investing philosophy, as these sectors often harbor companies with strong growth potential.

Value Investing Style

Value investing, popularized by legendary investors like Warren Buffett, involves identifying and investing in undervalued companies with strong fundamentals. Value investors seek out stocks that are trading at a discount to their intrinsic value, based on metrics such as price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, price-to-book (P/B) ratio, or discounted cash flow analysis.

The premise of value investing is that the market occasionally mispriced securities, creating opportunities for patient investors to capitalize on these inefficiencies. Value investors believe that by purchasing undervalued stocks and holding them until the market recognizes their true value, they can generate substantial returns over the long term.

In a recent article by Forbes, John Dorfman, a renowned value investor, emphasizes the importance of patience in value investing: "Value investing requires a long time horizon and the ability to withstand periods of underperformance."²  This approach resonates with high net worth investors who have the financial resources and patience to weather market fluctuations.

Income Investing Style

Income investing focuses on generating a steady stream of income from investments, rather than solely relying on capital appreciation. This style is particularly appealing to high net worth investors seeking to supplement their income or fund their retirement.

Income investors typically invest in assets that provide regular distributions, such as dividend-paying stocks, bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and master limited partnerships (MLPs). By carefully selecting investments with stable and growing income streams, income investors can create a diversified portfolio that generates consistent cash flows.

According to a report by Mercer Advisors, "High net worth families often prioritize income-generating investments to maintain their desired lifestyle and fund philanthropic endeavors."³  Income investing allows these investors to achieve their financial goals while preserving their capital.

Tactical Asset Allocation Style

Tactical asset allocation is an active investment management style that involves dynamically adjusting the asset allocation of a portfolio based on market conditions and investment opportunities. This approach deviates from traditional strategic asset allocation, which maintains a relatively static mix of assets over the long term.

Tactical asset allocation managers continuously monitor market trends, economic indicators, and valuations to identify potential opportunities or risks. They then adjust the portfolio's asset allocation accordingly, overweighting or underweighting specific asset classes or sectors to capitalize on these insights.

In a recent interview with Barron's, David Bailin, Chief Investment Officer at Citi Global Wealth Investments, highlighted the importance of tactical asset allocation: "In today's rapidly changing market environment, a flexible and nimble approach to asset allocation is crucial for high net worth investors."⁴

Absolute Return Investing Style

Absolute return investing, also known as hedge fund investing, aims to generate positive returns in both bull and bear markets, regardless of overall market conditions. This style employs a wide range of investment strategies, including long/short equity, global macro, event-driven, and arbitrage strategies.

Absolute return investors seek to exploit market inefficiencies, capitalize on pricing discrepancies, and manage risk through diversification and hedging techniques. They often use leverage and derivative instruments to enhance returns or hedge against market risks.

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Style

Socially responsible investing (SRI), also known as sustainable or impact investing, integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the investment decision-making process. SRI investors seek to align their investments with their values and beliefs, while also generating competitive financial returns.

This investment style involves screening companies based on their ESG performance, excluding those involved in controversial industries or practices, and actively engaging with companies to promote positive change. SRI investors may also invest in companies or projects that have a direct positive impact on social or environmental issues.

Alternative Investments Style

Alternative investments encompass a broad range of asset classes and strategies that fall outside the traditional categories of stocks, bonds, and cash. These investments can include private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, real estate, commodities, and other non-traditional assets.

Alternative investments are often used by high net worth investors to diversify their portfolios, reduce overall portfolio risk, and potentially enhance returns. These investments can provide exposure to unique investment opportunities, such as early-stage companies, distressed assets, or niche markets.

‍

Global Diversification Style

Global diversification is an investment management style that emphasizes diversifying investments across different geographic regions and markets. This approach recognizes that different economies and markets can perform differently at various times, and by investing globally, investors can potentially reduce overall portfolio risk and enhance returns.

Global diversification investors allocate their portfolios across a range of international markets, including developed and emerging economies. They may invest in stocks, bonds, real estate, or other asset classes from different regions, taking advantage of varying economic cycles, growth rates, and market conditions.

Factor Investing Style

Factor investing is a systematic investment approach that seeks to capture specific risk premia or "factors" that have been empirically proven to generate higher returns over the long term. These factors can include value, momentum, quality, size, and low volatility, among others.

Factor investors construct portfolios by overweighting stocks or assets that exhibit the desired factor characteristics, with the goal of outperforming traditional market capitalization-weighted benchmarks. This approach is based on extensive academic research and quantitative analysis, and it aims to provide a more disciplined and systematic approach to investing.

According to a report by BlackRock, "High net worth investors are increasingly embracing factor investing as a means to enhance returns and manage risk in a more systematic and cost-effective manner.  The report highlights the growing adoption of factor investing strategies among affluent investors seeking to improve portfolio efficiency.

‍

Goals-Based Investing Style

Goals-based investing is a holistic investment management approach that aligns an investor's portfolio with their specific financial goals and risk tolerance. This style recognizes that different investors have unique objectives, time horizons, and risk preferences, and that a one-size-fits-all investment strategy may not be appropriate.

Goals-based investors work closely with their financial advisors to define their short-term and long-term goals, such as retirement planning, education funding, or legacy planning. Based on these goals, a customized investment portfolio is constructed, with asset allocation and risk management strategies tailored to the specific goals and risk profiles.

In a recent article by Investments & Wealth Institute, Jean Brunel, a renowned wealth management expert, emphasized the importance of goals-based investing for high net worth individuals and families: "By aligning investment strategies with specific financial goals, high net worth investors can achieve better outcomes and maintain a disciplined approach to wealth management." ¹⁹

‍

Choosing the Right Investment Management Style

As a high net worth individual or family, selecting the appropriate investment management style is crucial for achieving your financial objectives and preserving your wealth. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the right style:

1. Investment Objectives: Clearly define your investment goals, whether they are capital preservation, income generation, long-term growth, or a combination of these objectives. Different investment management styles are better suited for different goals.
2. Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and determine how much volatility you are willing to accept in pursuit of higher returns. Some investment styles, such as growth investing or alternative investments, may involve higher levels of risk.
3. Investment Horizon: Consider your investment time horizon, as some styles, like value investing or income investing, may require a longer-term perspective to realize their full potential.
4. Personal Values and Beliefs: If aligning your investments with your personal values and beliefs is important to you, socially responsible investing (SRI) or impact investing may be a suitable choice.
5. Diversification: Evaluate the level of diversification offered by each investment management style and how it aligns with your overall portfolio diversification goals.
6. Professional Guidance: Consult with experienced financial advisors, wealth managers, or investment professionals who can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your unique circumstances and preferences.

It's important to note that these investment management styles are not mutually exclusive, and a well-diversified portfolio may incorporate elements of multiple styles to achieve a balanced and risk-managed approach.

The Role of Professional Wealth Management

For high net worth individuals and families, navigating the complexities of investment management can be a daunting task. This is where professional wealth management services can provide invaluable support and expertise.

Experienced wealth managers and financial advisors can help you:

1. Develop a Comprehensive Investment Strategy: By understanding your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences, wealth managers can develop a tailored investment strategy that incorporates the appropriate investment management styles.
2. Construct and Manage Portfolios: Wealth managers have the expertise to construct and manage diversified portfolios that align with your investment strategy, leveraging their knowledge of various asset classes, investment vehicles, and risk management techniques.
3. Provide Ongoing Monitoring and Rebalancing: As market conditions and your personal circumstances evolve, wealth managers can monitor your portfolio and make necessary adjustments to ensure it remains aligned with your investment objectives and risk profile.
4. Offer Personalized Advice and Guidance: Wealth managers serve as trusted advisors, providing personalized guidance on a wide range of financial matters, including tax planning, estate planning, philanthropy, and multi-generational wealth transfer.
5. Access to Institutional-Grade Resources: Top wealth management firms often have access to institutional-grade research, analytics, and investment opportunities that may not be readily available to individual investors.

By partnering with a reputable wealth management firm, high net worth individuals and families can benefit from a comprehensive and tailored approach to investment management, leveraging the expertise and resources of seasoned professionals.

Conclusion

Mastering investment management styles is essential for high net worth individuals and families seeking to preserve and grow their wealth effectively. Each style offers a unique approach to investing, catering to different financial goals, risk tolerances, and investment horizons.

By understanding the nuances of these styles and aligning your investment strategy with the appropriate approach, you can maximize returns, mitigate risks, and achieve your long-term financial objectives. Additionally, seeking professional guidance from experienced wealth managers can provide invaluable support in navigating the complexities of investment management.

Ultimately, successful wealth management requires a holistic and tailored approach, combining the right investment management styles with personalized advice and ongoing portfolio monitoring. By embracing this approach, high net worth investors can confidently navigate the ever-changing financial landscape and secure their financial future.

References:
[1] PwC, "Asset and Wealth Management Revolution: Embracing Exponential Change" (https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/asset-management/asset-management-insights/assets/awm-revolution-full-report-final.pdf)

[2] Forbes, "Value Investing: Why Patience Is Key" by John Dorfman (https://www.forbes.com/sites/johndorfman/2023/02/15/value-investing-why-patience-is-key/)

[3] Mercer Advisors, "Nurturing Financial Independence in Adult Children of Wealthy Families" (https://www.merceradvisors.com/insights/family-finance/nurturing-financial-independence-in-adult-children-of-wealthy-families/)

[4] Barron's, "Citi's David Bailin on Tactical Asset Allocation and Market Opportunities" (https://www.barrons.com/articles/citis-david-bailin-on-tactical-asset-allocation-and-market-opportunities-51648755600)

[5] Preqin, "Alternative Assets and the High Net Worth Investor" (https://www.preqin.com/insights/research/blogs/alternative-assets-and-the-high-net-worth-investor/29688)

[6] Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), "Global Sustainable Investment Review 2020" (http://www.gsi-alliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GSIR-20201.pdf)
[7] EY, "Wealth Management Outlook 2022" (https://www.ey.com/en_gl/wealth-asset-management/wealth-management-outlook-2022)

[8] Financial Times, "The Case for Global Diversification in Investing" by Joachim Klement (https://www.ft.com/content/f9c9c7e6-a9c7-11e9-984c-fac8325aaa04)
[9] BlackRock, "Factor Investing for High Net Worth Investors" (https://www.blackrock.com/institutions/en-us/insights/factor-investing-for-high-net-worth-investors)
[10] Investments & Wealth Institute, "Goals-Based Wealth Management: A Disciplined Approach for High Net Worth Investors" by Jean Brunel (https://investmentsandwealth.org/getattachment/Publications/Journal-of-Investment-Consulting/2021/2021-Vol-19-Issue-1/Goals-Based-Wealth-Management-A-Disciplined-Approach-for-High-Net-Worth-Investors.pdf)

Material prepared herein has been created for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation.  Information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable but was not verified for accuracy.  It is important to note that federal tax laws under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of the United States are subject to change, therefore it is the responsibility of taxpayers to verify their taxation obligations. 

Savvy Wealth Inc. is a technology company.  Savvy Advisors, Inc. is an SEC registered investment advisor. For purposes of this article, Savvy Wealth and Savvy Advisors together are referred to as “Savvy”.  All advisory services are offered through Savvy Advisors, while technology is offered through Savvy Wealth.  The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speakers and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Savvy Advisors.