William Bernstein No Brainer
Investment Model Portfolios

Dr. William Bernstein is the author of the “Intelligent Asset Allocator” and “The Four Pillars of Investing.” He’s also a physician, neurologist and financial adviser to high-net-worth individuals.

 He proposed two lazy portfolios

  • The smart money portfolio
  • The no-brainer portfolio

 

The no-brainer portfolio comprises the following fund allocation

  • 25% in Vanguard 500 Index VFINX                  (IVW)
  • 25% in Vanguard Small Cap NAESX or VTMSX        (VB)
  • 25% in Vanguard Total International VGTSX or VTMGX    (EFA, VEA)
  • 25% in Vanguard Total Bond VBMFX or VBISX       (BND)

Investment options of William Bernstein No Brainer

Total Available Funds: 4
Asset Class Ticker Description
US EQUITY
LARGE BLEND VFINX VFINX,
SMALL BLEND NAESX Vanguard Small Cap Index
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
Foreign Large Blend VGTSX VGTSX
FIXED INCOME
Intermediate-Term Bond VBMFX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index

Investment model portfolios

We provide two types of investment model portfolios for William Bernstein No Brainer participants. You can customize and follow a model portfolio in your plan account.

Types of portfolio strategies

These portfolios are proactively monitored and rebalanced on a monthly basis when needed, ensuring it remains in line with its target allocation.

Let us know (Email us) if you need help to create a custom model portfolio for your plan.

Example model portfolios

The following provides historical returns for example model portfolios with a moderate risk profile (at most 60% in stocks) and their comparison with benchmark index funds. You can customize these portfolios according to your own risk profile.

Strategic Asset Allocation Model Portfolio

The following portfolio is based on the MyPlanIQ Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) strategy.

Name YTD Return 1Yr AR 3Yr AR 5Yr AR 10Yr AR 15Yr AR 20Yr AR Common Inception
William Bernstein No Brainer Strategic Asset Allocation – Optimal Moderate NA 23.53% 1.69% 6.54% 6.10% 7.49% 6.73%
VFINX (VANGUARD 500 INDEX FUND INVESTOR SHARES) NA 37.82% 8.86% 15.20% 12.89% 14.04% 10.46%
VSMGX (VANGUARD LIFESTRATEGY MODERATE GROWTH FUND INVESTOR SHARES) NA 22.89% 2.25% 6.63% 6.01% 7.19% 6.10%
Data as of 10/31/2024, Common starting date is 12/31/2000

Tactical Asset Allocation Model Portfolio

The following portfolio is based on the MyPlanIQ Tactical Asset Allocation (TAA) strategy.

Name YTD Return 1Yr AR 3Yr AR 5Yr AR 10Yr AR 15Yr AR 20Yr AR Common Inception
William Bernstein No Brainer Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate NA 19.36% 0.60% 4.81% 3.67% 4.27% 5.10%
VFINX (VANGUARD 500 INDEX FUND INVESTOR SHARES) NA 37.82% 8.86% 15.20% 12.89% 14.04% 10.46%
VSMGX (VANGUARD LIFESTRATEGY MODERATE GROWTH FUND INVESTOR SHARES) NA 22.89% 2.25% 6.63% 6.01% 7.19% 6.10%
Data as of 10/31/2024, Common starting date is 12/31/2000