Brendan McCurdy: Income portfolios and the search for longevity - and sanity

Exploring the link between lower volatility and portfolio longevity

clock • 4 min read

In his latest 'better business' column, Brendan McCurdy explains why investors need to understand the role of risk in determining a portfolio's potential to distribute income over time - and the opportunity this offers for advisers to add value

How can income-oriented investors help their portfolios last longer and distribute more total income? In this endeavour, reducing portfolio risk is more important than investors may realise. Lower overall portfolio risk can help portfolios last longer - and portfolios that last longer have greater potential to distribute cash over time. Let's explore in detail the link between lower volatility and portfolio longevity. At Goldman Sachs Asset Management, we used historical data to construct 100,000 potential 30-year investment horizons for portfolios with similar returns, but different ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

News editor's view: The devil in the Budget detail

News editor's view: The devil in the Budget detail

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 30 October

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 October 2026 • 2 min read
What's spooking financial advisers this Halloween?

What's spooking financial advisers this Halloween?

Experts share what's keeping the profession awake this spooky season

Professional Adviser
clock 30 October 2026 • 4 min read
Feel Good Friday: CISI urges financial planners to give 'one hour' to upcoming Financial Planning Week

Feel Good Friday: CISI urges financial planners to give 'one hour' to upcoming Financial Planning Week

Event takes place January 2027

Professional Adviser
clock 30 October 2026 • 1 min read