Ep 411: Getting Clients Comfortable With Market Risk Using A More (Options-Based) Measured Risk Approach with Larry Kriesmer
Nov 12, 2024
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Larry Kriesmer, Chairman of Measured Risk Portfolios, shares insights on managing market risk through innovative investment strategies. He discusses how to gain client comfort by allocating 85% of funds in safe Treasuries while using options to enhance returns. Larry highlights the tax advantages of options trading, the psychological aspects of investing during volatility, and the importance of customized risk strategies. He also reflects on the challenges of building an advisory firm and the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis.
Larry Kreismur's investment strategy allocates 85% to Treasuries for safety while utilizing options to achieve higher potential returns.
Effective communication is essential for financial advisors to help clients understand the risks and benefits of option-based investments.
The unique tax benefits associated with options trading can enhance investment efficiency, particularly under section 1256 for larger accounts.
Deep dives
Measured Risk Strategy Overview
Larry Kreismur emphasizes a unique investment approach that combines safety with equity market exposure. His strategy involves allocating around 85% of clients' funds into U.S. Treasuries to create a safety net while using the remainder for options on equity indexes. This approach not only aims to mitigate potential losses but also strives to generate returns that can match or exceed traditional portfolios. By allowing clients to select their risk tolerance and downside floor, Kreismur personalizes each investment strategy to fit their individual financial needs.
Client Perspectives and Education
Clients often perceive the measured risk strategy in different ways; some view it as a method to gain equity exposure with reduced risk, while others see it as an alternative to bonds that can offer greater upside potential. It is crucial for financial advisors to educate clients about the mechanics of this strategy and the trade-offs involved. Kreismur notes that clients may feel uneasy if they see dramatic losses in their option allocations, which can occur even if the overall strategy remains intact. Effective communication regarding the dual nature of potential returns and risks helps clients understand and feel more comfortable with their investment choices.
Role of Treasuries in Investments
The incorporation of U.S. Treasuries plays a critical role in Kreismur's investment strategy, providing stability and a guaranteed return of principal. By investing primarily in short-term Treasuries, clients can clearly see their defined maturity dates, which fosters a sense of security during market volatility. Kreismur's technique of directly including Treasury holdings allows him to maintain client confidence, particularly during downturns, as they can visualize their safety net in real time. However, advisors must prepare clients for the inherent options volatility, particularly when those option allocations may show significant losses upon expiration.
Tax Benefits of Options Strategies
Implementing an option-based investment strategy not only provides potential upside but also carries special tax benefits for investors. For larger accounts using index-based options, there exists a provision under section 1256 that allows for a unique taxation structure where 60% of the gain is treated as long-term capital gains, while the remaining 40% is short-term. This can result in more favorable tax outcomes compared to traditional option contracts held in standard accounts, which would be taxed entirely as ordinary income. Kreismur advises financial advisors to inform clients about these tax implications to enhance their overall understanding of investment efficiency.
Growth and Sustainability of the Business
Kreismur's firm, Measured Risk Portfolios, has successfully navigated the complexities of scaling its operations, positioning itself to manage around $350 million in assets with a growing number of externally advised accounts. A significant portion of their growth hinges on the ability to meet the needs of independent financial advisors, offering a turn-key solution to provide enhanced investment strategies for their clientele. By reinvesting profits back into the business, Kreismur aims to create a sustainable firm that continues to thrive long after his retirement. This business mentality underscores the importance of building a legacy that ensures the future of client relationships and investment strategies.
Challenges in the Advisory Landscape
Despite the unique strengths of Kreismur's approach, he has encountered challenges in gaining broader adoption among financial advisors, many of whom prefer simpler, more traditional investment models. The logistical hurdles of explaining complex strategies, such as options trading, to clients can act as a significant barrier to entry. Additionally, the perception of risk associated with options may deter advisors from incorporating such strategies into their practices. However, Kreismur remains committed to educating fellow advisors about effective risk management techniques and the potential benefits of diversifying investment strategies with options.
Larry Kriesmer is the Chairman of Measured Risk Portfolios, an RIA based out of San Diego that oversees $350 million in assets under management for a combination of internal retail clients and external financial advisor clients. What's unique about Larry, though, is how he is able to get clients comfortable with taking equity market risk using an approach that actually puts 85% or more of client funds in Treasuries (effectively creating a floor on potential losses) while investing the rest into options on equity indexes to offer potential upside that still can approximate the returns of a conservative, moderate, or even aggressive balanced portfolio that might have otherwise simply allocated directly to the S&P 500.
Listen in as Larry shares how he implements this strategy and introduces its potential benefits and risks to clients, the tax benefits available when using options, the importance of careful management when using options due to potentially rapid pricing changes, and his commitment to reinvesting in his firm to build a lasting business.