Conventional Investing in a Complex World

Abstract

In the wake of market volatility, many investors may feel a desire to change their approach and be more “nimble” or “opportunistic” in their pursuit of investment goals. In this article, Robert Maynard, Chief Investment Officer for the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho and Brandes Institute Advisory Board member, cautions investors who are thinking about abandoning traditional investment plans. He advocates policies that are simple, transparent, and focused rather than the increasingly popular “alternative” tactics, such as illiquid instruments and vehicles, leverage, and complex, opaque investment strategies.