Apr 24, 2009
Q&A
Q&A: Foregoing Future Expected Returns? 
A recent change to a client's life needs would normally warrant a reduction in portfolio risk. In doing so immediately, he would forego future expected returns that he paid so dearly for in the last year. Could the severity of the recent downturn justify delaying a risk reduction?

EFF/KRF: No. Although the expected market return probably increased over the last year, this is the result of greater uncertainty about future returns and perhaps an increase in the overall level of risk aversion. If your client's circumstances warrant a reduction in risk, an increase in expected return that is caused by an increase in risk is not a good reason to stay in the market. 

 
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ABOUT FAMA AND FRENCH
Eugene F. Fama
The Robert R. McCormick Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Kenneth R. French
The Roth Family Distinguished Professor of Finance at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College
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Eugene Fama and Ken French are members of the Board of Directors of the general partner of, and provide consulting services to Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.