Investment Strategies

Marathon Strategic Advisors employs a hybrid approach to investing.  We implement an indexing strategy in sectors where markets are thought to be highly efficient, and we employ a value-tilted strategy where they tend to be less efficient. We use low‑cost, market-tracking index exposure, for broad equity segments such as large-cap and mid–cap domestic and international stocks. By implementing an indexing strategy, we harness diversification, low fees, and tax efficiency. In more highly efficient areas of the market, indexing often delivers market-level returns without the drag of excessive costs or turnover.  In areas where research and selective screening has historically resulted in better performance than the standard market basket, we may diverge from indexing. These areas of divergence typically include Small-cap equities, Convertible & High Yield bonds, and other sectors.

Investments are made with a long-term orientation, generally involving the purchase of securities held for at least a year. This results in relatively low portfolio turnover that minimizes the tax consequences for investors. We typically prefer not to purchase individual stocks.  If we do, we prefer to avoid high-flying stocks that sell for a premium to their relative fundamental value.  Additionally, we do not attempt to “time the market.”  Thus, our goal is to keep portfolios fully invested – according to the asset allocation goals of each client.

Marathon will assess your unique tolerances for risk, return objectives, needs, and personal financial situation to help you determine the optimal portfolio that meets your long-term investment goals. Our goal is to structure your portfolio so that you receive the best (optimal) return for the amount of risk you choose to assume.