CFP^®, CIMA^®, CPWA^®, CIMC^®, and RMA℠ Eligible Modern Portfolio Theory and the case it makes for diversification have long been foundations for investing. However, since the financial crisis, disparate asset class performances have brought investors to question the benefits of asset allocation. This session will break down the performance drivers in the current market cycle and lay out the global growth story, making the case for continued asset diversification. It will examine the issues currently facing globally allocated portfolios and survey several strategies and techniques investors can use to mitigate these problems. Topics will include strategic versus tactical allocation, active versus passive investing, and the power of rebalancing, among others.  The goal of this elective is to give the participant a broader and deeper understanding of the forces affecting asset allocation portfolios in the 21^st century and to make the case that diversification still works—that it’s not “different this time”. Learning Objectives:

• The basics of asset allocation
• The differences between strategic and tactical asset allocation
• The drivers of portfolio performance
• Active versus passive investing
• The impact of rebalancing portfolios