When to rebalance a portfolio in 2023?


Posted by: Invos Research
Published on: January 24, 2023
When to rebalance a portfolio in 2023?

Rebalancing a portfolio involves adjusting the allocation of assets in order to bring it back in line with the investor's original investment plan and target allocation. Here are a some tips to follow while rebalancing a portfolio:

  1. Review the current allocation of assets in the portfolio and compare it to the target allocation. This can be done by creating a spreadsheet or using a portfolio management tool.
  2. Identify any significant deviations from the target allocation and determine the cause. For example, if a particular stock or sector has performed exceptionally well and now represents a larger portion of the portfolio than intended.
  3. Make adjustments to bring the portfolio back in line with the target allocation. This may involve selling some of the outperforming assets and using the proceeds to buy more of the underperforming assets.
  4. Rebalancing can be done periodically, like every quarter, or annually, or when a particular asset class has deviated from a certain threshold(e.g. when a particular asset class deviates from it's target allocation by more than 5%).
  5. It is also important to consider tax implications and transaction costs when rebalancing, as selling assets can trigger capital gains taxes and buying and selling securities incurs transaction fees.
  6. Rebalancing your portfolio also provides an opportunity to review your investments and make sure that they still align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

The timing of when to rebalance a portfolio can depend on a few factors, such as your investment goals and risk tolerance, as well as the current state of your portfolio and market conditions:

  1. Periodically: Some investors choose to rebalance their portfolio on a periodic basis, such as every quarter or annually. This can help ensure that the portfolio stays aligned with the investor's target allocation and investment goals.
  2. Threshold-Based: Some investors choose to rebalance their portfolio when a particular asset class deviates from its target allocation by more than a certain threshold, such as 5%. This can help prevent any one asset class from becoming too dominant in the portfolio.
  3. Market conditions: Some investors choose to rebalance their portfolio based on market conditions. For example, if the market has experienced a significant downturn and certain assets have lost value, an investor may choose to rebalance their portfolio by buying more of those assets while they are undervalued.

In general, the end of the year or the start of the new year could be a good time to rebalance, as investors take stock of their portfolios and make adjustments for the new year. However, it's important to keep track that the end of the year also tends to be a time of higher volatility and uncertainty in the markets, so it may not be the best time for everyone to rebalance.

It's important to remember that the best time to rebalance is when it's needed, regardless of the time of year. It's a ideal to consult with a financial advisor to help determine the best course of action based on your individual financial situation and investment goals.

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