What does strategic asset allocation involve?

Strategic asset allocation is a long-term investment strategy aimed at aligning an investment portfolio with an investor's financial goals and risk tolerance. This approach emphasizes setting target allocations for various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and cash, based on the investor's objectives.

Periodic rebalancing is a key component of strategic asset allocation. As market conditions change and the value of different asset classes fluctuates, the original asset allocation can shift. Rebalancing involves realigning the portfolio back to the established target allocations, which helps manage risk, maintain the desired asset mix, and potentially enhance long-term returns. This practice ensures that an investor does not become overly exposed to any one type of asset due to market movements.

The other options do not accurately reflect the principles of strategic asset allocation. Making frequent changes to investment portfolios for short-term gains is more akin to tactical asset allocation or speculation, rather than a strategic long-term approach. Focusing solely on high-risk investments disregards the importance of diversification and risk management that strategic asset allocation advocates. Finally, a complete avoidance of rebalancing runs counter to the core principle of maintaining the intended investment strategy, leading to potential misalignment with the investor's original goals.