How We Operate

Prior to engaging ASC to provide Investment Asset Management Services, for Individuals, Small Businesses, and Retirement Plans, each Client is required to enter into an investment advisory agreement with ASC, and the agreement defines the terms, conditions, authority, and responsibilities of ASC and the Client. These services may include:

• Establishing an Investment Policy Statement – The Advisor and the Client may develop a statement that summarizes the Client’s investment goals and objectives along with the comprehensive investment strategies to be employed to meet the Client’s objectives.
• Asset Allocation – The Advisor will develop a tactical asset allocation that is targeted to meet the investment objectives, time horizon, financial situation, and risk tolerance for each Client.  Tactical asset allocation is different from the traditional strategic asset allocation.  A tactical asset allocation requires active management to meet the changes in the conditions of the United States and global economies.
• Asset Portfolio Construction – The Advisor will develop a portfolio for the Client that is intended to meet the stated goals and objectives of the Client.
• Investment Management and Supervision – The Advisor will provide active investment management and ongoing oversight of the Client’s portfolio.

Investment Strategies

ASC generally employs a long-term investment strategy for its Clients which is to be consistent with their financial goals.  The Advisor will typically hold all or a portion of a security for more than a year, but the Advisor may hold the securities in the portfolio for shorter periods for the purpose of rebalancing a portfolio or meeting the cash needs of Clients.  At times, the Advisor may also buy and sell positions that are more short-term in nature depending on the goals of the Client and/or the fundamentals of the security, sector, asset class, or the current or upcoming United States and global economic conditions.

ASC’s general investment strategy is to seek real capital growth proportionate with the level of risk the Client is willing to take.  Each Client’s portfolio is treated uniquely.  ASC meets with Clients to understand their investment objectives and financial status.  We assist and advise the Client to determine the Asset allocation based on their investment objectives.  We provide ongoing monitoring.

Investing Involves Risk

Investing in securities involves risk of loss, and Clients should be prepared to bear that risk.  Past performance does not guarantee future returns.  Like any investment strategy, investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs involves material risks.  Such material risks are described in further detail below.

Investing for the long term means that Client’s account will be exposed to short-term fluctuations in the market and the behavioral impulse to make trading decisions based on such short-term market fluctuations.  ASC does not condone short-term trading to “time” the market, and instead encourages the Clients to remain committed to their financial goals.  However, investing for the long term can expose Clients to risks borne out of changes to interest rates, inflation, general economic conditions, market cycles, geopolitical changes, and regulatory changes.

Investing in Funds does not guarantee a return on investment, and the shareholders of such Funds may lose the principal that they have invested into such Funds.  Mutual funds and many Exchange Traded funds invest into their underlying securities that comprise the fund; and the Clients are inherently exposed to the risks arising from their underlying securities.  These Funds charge internal expenses to their shareholders, and these internal expenses reduce the Fund’s potential for market appreciation.  Shares of mutual funds may only be traded at their stated net asset value (“NAV”) which is calculated at the end of each day upon the market’s close.  Clients are encouraged to carefully read the prospectus of any of these Funds before they are purchased for investment and gain a full understanding of the Fund’s risks and costs.  Most if not all mutual funds and ETFs have a charge called expense ratio which represents all of the management fees and operating costs of the fund.  Many if not all mutual funds have other charges which can include administration fees, shareholder servicing fees, sales loads, redemption fees, or other fund fees and expenses.

Portfolio Management Account Reviews

The Client’s securities are continually monitored, and the Client’s accounts are reviewed at least monthly with respect to the Client’s Investment Objectives. These accounts are reviewed by Benjamin Yashar.  Factors that may trigger a review may include a change in the Client’s Investment Objectives, financial circumstances, material developments in market conditions, material geopolitical events, and changes to a Client’s personal or financial situation.

ASC is a fiduciary

And, ASC is a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of California.  Fiduciaries work in the best interest of the client.  In contrast, non-fiduciaries need to only to recommend products and services that are acceptable which may not be to the best interest of a client.

Investment philosophy

ASC generally employs a long-term investment strategy for its Clients which is to be consistent with their financial goals.  ASC will typically hold all or a portion of a security for more than a year, but the Advisor may hold the securities in the portfolio for shorter periods for the purpose of rebalancing a portfolio or meeting the cash needs of Clients.  At times, ASC may also buy and sell positions that are more short-term in nature depending on the goals of the client and/or the fundamentals of the security, sector, asset class, or the current or upcoming United States and global economic conditions.

Asset allocations

ASC will develop a tactical asset allocation that is targeted to meet the investment objectives, time horizon, financial situation, and risk tolerance for each client.  Tactical asset allocation is different from the traditional strategic asset allocation.  A tactical asset allocation requires active management to meet the changes in the conditions of the United States and global economies.  Asset allocation that is best for a portfolio will generally include a highly diversified “non-correlated” domestic and international stocks, ETFs,  and other equity and bond securities from the United States and other countries.   The stock and equity funds’ blend will include small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies.

Investment Benchmarks 

Over time, ASC would like to beat either Russell 2000 index or the S&P 500 index.   However, bear in mind that a client’s diversified portfolio generally includes international stocks and equity and bond securities in it as well.