Strategic versus tactical asset allocation in markets with high uncertainty

Asset allocation strategies are a frequently discussed topic with increasing importance in times of crisis. Such strategies should prevent us from price deterioration in bad times and ensure high return potentials in good times. More and more tactical asset allocation funds emerge and promise better returns than simple strategy funds. They always try to be on the right market side, in up as well as in down phases. This seminar paper deals with some basic question about what strategic and tactical asset allocation is, when should it be used and if these strategies are appropriate in a highly uncertain environment like the current. It should give the reader a broad overview about the topic by referring to different accepted theories and studies. First the development of asset allocation methods will be described resulting in strategic and tactical asset allocation and an evaluation of them. Furthermore a link toward uncertain market conditions will be compounded.