Smith Barney creates ETF model portfolios

New York-based Smith Barney’s Consulting Group has launched eight model portfolios that invest in exchange traded funds: the CG Select ETF Allocations. “We believe this is one of the industry's first model portfolio programs to offer active management on the portfolio level through tactical asset allocation incorporating exchange traded funds,” James J. Tracy, director of Consulting Group, said in a statement. “These features have the potential to cumulatively enhance a portfolio's risk/return profile over time.” The tactical asset allocation is provided by Citigroup Global Wealth Management's Investment Strategy Committee. Based on its outlook for the economy and capital markets, the committee periodically makes incremental asset class and sector adjustments to their range of strategically efficient models. The committee also designates opportunistic investments for each model portfolio, which at various times may include, but are not limited to, ETFs representing short-term bonds, U.S. equity sectors and real estate investment trusts. The eight models range strategically from 100% fixed-income on the most conservative end to 100% equity for investors with a substantial risk tolerance.