March 10, 2025
Navigating Strategic and Tactical Investment Horizons: The Differences
George Smith, CFA, CAIA, CIPM, Portfolio Strategist
Craig Brown, Head of Quantitative Strategy
Heightened volatility and uncertainty in both financial markets and the broader economy present challenges and opportunities for investors. Understanding the fundamental differences between the strategic and tactical investment horizons through which an investor can face these challenges and approach these opportunities is essential for navigating these complex environments. Like the more predictable rhythm of ocean tides, strategic investing focuses on longer-term expectations, while a tactical approach responds to short-term market conditions, akin to unpredictable surges and waves on the seas. The annual release of our updated strategic asset allocation provides an opportunity to explore the distinct nature of these investment horizons and examine when and why our strategic and tactical perspectives may diverge, despite sharing the same ultimate objective — delivering a performance in excess of the benchmark over the target time horizon.