Alec Cutler: Is it the end of the road for 60/40?

clock • 5 min read

Alec Cutler takes a look at the traditional 60/40 portfolio and says its days are numbered...

To paraphrase Dickens, 2020 was - for markets - the best of times and the worst of times. It was the best of times for passive investors in the classic portfolio of 60% global stocks and 40% global government bonds— the "60/40". As central banks around the world fired up their printing presses in March, bond yields fell, and those falling bond yields benefitted passive 60/40 investors in three big ways. First, falling yields pushed global government bonds to a strong 6% return in GBP, despite starting the year with an average yield of just 1%. Second, falling yields helped bonds to...

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 Investment

Low-cost platforms spur one in three UK adults to invest

Low-cost platforms spur one in three UK adults to invest

Trading 212 the main beneficiary

Michael Nelson
clock 12 March 2026 • 2 min read
Understanding the investment appeal of the energy addition

Understanding the investment appeal of the energy addition

Positive change takes time

Tim Humphreys
clock 11 March 2026 • 4 min read
Chaos is not a ladder: Navigating human behaviour at times of market stress

Chaos is not a ladder: Navigating human behaviour at times of market stress

'It is important to maintain perspective'

Sacha Chorley
clock 09 March 2026 • 4 min read