In the coming months, investors will look for greater clarity on the new administration’s agenda, which will help refine the economic outlook. Until then, the economy remains on stable footing as we enter the new year, with a gradual return to normal across many fronts.

An active approach to bond investing will be key to finding attractive relative value opportunities while balancing risks with higher rates. 

The prospect of deregulation and corporate tax cuts may finally give investors conviction to add to previously unloved areas of the market, like value and mid/small cap stocks, which are also benefiting from earnings recovery and attractive valuations.

Looking ahead, international equities should benefit from multiple expansion and better earnings growth expectations.

Given rich public market valuations, lower bond yields and positive stock/bond correlation, investors should leverage alternatives to enhance portfolio return, income and diversification.

As macro forces continue to shift and a bevy of potential policy changes loom on the horizon, a well-diversified long-term portfolio will be that much more important.