The past year was challenging with high interest rates and inflation, recession fears and a war which set the stage for nervous investors and downward markets. While all the major equity and fixed income asset classes were down, alternative “enhancer” asset classes had mixed results, supporting a well-diversified portfolio. In addition, a tilt towards quality and value further protected portfolios from experiencing the full decline of the markets.
Harvesting losses seems like an automatic thing to do in a year where most asset classes decline in value. Like anything else, though, it makes sense for some, but it is not a great idea for others. Even for those for whom it does make sense, the advantages are limited and only begin to benefit you once you have gains to offset the losses. For some people, surprisingly, capturing GAINS is a good strategy!
Since 1953 there have been eleven recessions in the US, as identified by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).