NDR: Customizing Asset Allocation Models

In the latest edition of NDR’s Integrated Analyst, the Custom Research Solutions (CRS) team demonstrates a few of the many ways CRS customizes NDR’s asset allocation models to directly address client objectives.

Whether you're looking to streamline your organization’s productivity, resolve internal debates, or respond quickly to complex client questions, CRS is here to help. We serve as an extension of your research team, offering tailored solutions that meet your unique needs. Read below to learn what CRS can do for your firm.

At Ned Davis Research (NDR), flexibility is at the core of our asset allocation solutions. Our optimization framework allows us to transform existing models into tailored strategies that fit any risk profile—aggressive, moderate, or conservative—without starting from scratch. For example, our U.S. Asset Allocation Model provides monthly tactical weight recommendations relative to a benchmark of 55% equities, 35% fixed income, and 10% cash. By adjusting inputs like benchmark weights and risk appetite, we can quickly pivot to conservative (40/60/0) or aggressive (80/20/0) allocations, all while leveraging NDR’s proven indicators.

The examples above show (1) a conservative optimization, relative to a 40/60/0 benchmark of stocks, bonds, and cash, and (2) an aggressive optimization, relative to an 80/20/0 benchmark of stocks, bonds, and cash, respectively.

Customization doesn’t stop there. We can combine multiple models, add new asset classes like commodities, and apply constraints such as maximum exposure limits. For clients concerned about turnover and tax implications, we offer strategies like minimum trade sizing and allocation zones to reduce unnecessary shifts without sacrificing returns.

The possibilities are limitless—whether you need a bespoke model for a new product suite or a solution to meet specific client mandates, NDR’s Custom Research Solutions deliver precision and efficiency. Ready to explore? Contact us at CRSQuestions@ndr.com.

Thank you for your interest in this excerpt from NDR’s Integrated Analyst - December 2025 edition, a quarterly publication showcasing the wide-ranging capabilities of NDR’s Custom Research Solutions (CRS) group. CRS can serve as an extension of your research team to assist with projects large or small. We build tailored solutions through direct engagement. Request a complimentary copy of this quarterly research report by completing the form to the right (For use by professional investors only).

To learn more about NDR’s Custom Research Solutions visit us online, click here. 

Stay tuned for more insights from Ned Davis Research as we delve deeper into the dynamics shaping the economic landscape and offer actionable strategies for investors. Let us help you See the Signals.™