August 12, 2026
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3 min
Geopolitical tension and heightened market volatility characterized the first half of 2026. The latest edition of the Portfolio Barometer from Natixis Investment Managers Solutions aims to uncover how advisors coped with these pressures. How, for example, did advisors reposition moderate portfolios? Which allocation and implementation choices held up through the first-quarter decline and subsequent recovery? And what specific strategies helped to produce stronger risk-adjusted outcomes versus portfolios with weaker results?
Key observations from the team’s analysis:
- Not all moderate portfolios delivered moderate outcomes
Results varied widely within the moderate portfolio classification: Top-quartile portfolios combined a smaller first-quarter loss with stronger participation in the second-quarter recovery, supported by broader implementation and lower concentration.
- Diversified and flexible strategies grew
Allocations to these strategies reached 59.4% of the average fixed-income sleeve. Flexible mandates represented 40.4%, with meaningful differences in duration and credit exposure.
- Diversification extended beyond stocks and bonds
Real assets and alternatives were more prevalent among stronger-performing portfolios, while elevated stock-bond correlations reinforced the importance of differentiated return drivers.
- Breadth mattered more than the active-versus-passive debate
Top-quartile portfolios generally held more positions and exhibited lower concentration, suggesting that implementation and diversification played a larger role in outcomes than active-passive positioning alone.
- Top-quartile portfolios relied less on their largest positions
The three largest constituents for top performers accounted for 40% of assets, compared with 53% for bottom-quartile portfolios.
Portfolio Barometer 1H 2026
Gain insight into financial advisors’ model portfolios and the allocation decisions they are making in 2026.
FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS ONLY
Portfolio Barometer methodology: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are derived from detailed analysis conducted by the portfolio consultants at Natixis Investment Managers.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Natixis Advisors, LLC provides advisory services through its division Natixis Investment Managers Solutions. Advisory services are generally provided with the assistance of model portfolio providers, some of which are affiliates of Natixis Investment Managers, LLC. This communication is for information purposes only and is intended for investment service providers or other Professional Clients. This material must not be used with Retail Investors. This material may not be redistributed, published, or reproduced in whole or in part.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments. Investment risk exists with equity, fixed-income, and alternative investments. There is no assurance that any investment will meet its performance objectives or that losses will be avoided.
The analyses and opinions referenced herein represent the subjective views of the author as referenced and are as of 6/30/26. These, as well as the portfolio holdings and characteristics shown, are subject to change.
There can be no assurance that developments will transpire as may be forecasted in this material. Past performance information presented is not indicative of future performance.
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