Instead of the 60/40 portfolio, investors are encouraged to consider the 25/25/25/25/25 portfolio and receive some additional returns, according to American Michael Hartnet. The portfolio has surpassed traditional allocations of 60% stake and 40% bonds so far, as this year, he told CNBC. It consists of equal divisions between stocks, bonds, cash and gold. “It … can lay eggs in some baskets even when the stock market is on track, but it reminds investors, if not more,” says Hartnett, chief investment strategist at Bank of America’s Global Research. This strategy is ahead of the list this year in both the US and the world. According to Bank of America, the US portfolio consists of an S&P 500, 25% of bonds (using the 10-year Treasury as a proxy), a 25% Treasury invoice, and 25% of stock measured at 25% of gold (using the 10-year Treasury as a proxy). Meanwhile, plain vanilla 60/40 has increased by 10%. Globally, the MSCI All Country World Index is used as a proxy for stocks and the bond index of ICE BOFA Global Bond Market Index is used, so this year its 25×4 portfolio is 18% higher, a 13% increase in the global 60/40. Although they may not outperform every year, they have essentially been walking towards the 60/40 portfolio return so far, Bank of America analysis found. “This portfolio is definitely going to catch up with your 60/40 and in fact probably we’ll attach it with a better kind of risk return,” Hartnett added. Inflation Issues Hartnett proposed the idea for 25/25/25/25 at the beginning of the decade, hoping that inflation and higher interest rates would become the general theme. “If you’re in an environment where inflation is rising on Main Street, it’s not negative about money, it’s no longer negative about cash, it’s no more negative about products, and as far as bonds and stocks are concerned, it’s probably not that positive,” he said. Certainly, inflation has eased since peak in 2022 when the Federal Reserve began hiking federal funds to combat higher prices. The central bank began cutting rates in September 2024, but suspended after the decline in December. It resumed last week with 25 basis points (0.25% points). Meanwhile, data released by the Commerce Department on Friday showed that the core inflation rate was around 2.9% in August. This exceeds the Fed’s 2% target. Stocks are also high, with the S&P 500 increasing by nearly 13% per year. Still, Heartnet looks at the big picture. “The last decade has been a decade of inflation that we’ve certainly been used to in the last 20 years, and it’s gotten a lot more inflation,” he said. “Does that mean every year is inflation? Of course not.” Gold’s gloss, Hartnett said the run is likely not over, while gold’s record gatherings certainly helped its portfolio. “If you believe there is a threat or risk of a US dollar collapse, then if you believe that inflation will average 3% positive in the medium term rather than under 2%, then you’ll probably do more when it comes to gold,” he said. That said, Hartnet is not attacking 60/40 and is aware of the role of investors. “For now, unless Fed cut rates get a second wave of inflation in the medium term, people are still embedded in 60/40,” he said. He added that the 25/25/25 portfolio simply points out the benefits of diversification. “There are many other asset classes that allow you to have a lot of fun. There are a lot of fun outside of US stocks,” he said. “If you’re building a midterm portfolio, don’t forget to diversify.” (Learn the best 2026 strategies from within the NYSE with Josh Brown and others at CNBC Pro Live. Tickets and info here.)
