Investment Management

An overview of our approach:

Independence
West Financial Services is an independent registered investment advisor (RIA).  Independence gives us freedom from constraints that hamper other firms.  We have the ability to work with a wide variety of management companies to select investments that combine strong, consistent performance with reasonable expenses.

Strategic and Tactical Management
Since asset allocation is the driving force of portfolio performance, we maintain a long-term view over the entire business cycle. Our portfolios utilize diversification across global asset classes as their foundation, while incorporating disciplined, research-driven tactical asset allocation adjustments.

Equity – Combining Passive and Active Investing
For equities, our “core and satellite” approach to investing combines the benefits of both passive and active strategies.  The “core,” or passive component, utilizes low-cost investments in major market indices, to ensure that clients participate in market movements. For the “satellite,” we use active investment management to increase the return potential of the portfolio.  Active mutual funds balance growth and value investment styles, with tactical allocations depending on the market dynamics. We may also purchase individual stocks to increase exposure to specific sectors, include thematic trends, and provide dividend growth. Our investment team pays close attention to valuation, establishes defined entry and exit points, and uses both quantitative and qualitative due diligence when investigating new investment opportunities.

Fixed Income
Our primary focus with fixed income is preservation of capital. We build a foundation of investment grade bonds and ladder the maturities over a short to intermediate time period, with the goal of having bonds mature every year. This strategy provides for reinvestment at different yields, or for use of principal to meet future cash flow needs.

Team Approach
Our team of experienced investment professionals meets on a daily basis to review proprietary and external research on macro-economic issues, market fundamentals, and due diligence on all of our investments. Through these meetings, we regularly evaluate the performance of investments against the appropriate benchmarks so that we can see where adjustments should be made.

Consistent Monitoring and Reporting
We continually monitor, measure, and evaluate performance of our clients’ investments, and provide quarterly reporting, as well as personal meetings to review accounts. The portfolio manager of your accounts is available to speak with you at any time.

Minimizing Taxes and Expenses
We implement all investment decisions with tax consequences in mind, as well as managerial and transactional expenses. The resulting savings means more money is working for you.