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Strategies/Core-4 (Ferri)

Core-4 (Ferri)

StaticPromoderate

Based on research by Rick Ferri · Ferri, R. All About Asset Allocation (2010)

This is BestFolio's independent implementation. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the original author.

Launched 2007
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About this Strategy

Rick Ferri's 4-fund portfolio: 48% US stocks, 24% international, 20% bonds, 8% REITs..

The complete strategy logic, asset universe, and rebalancing rules are available to Pro subscribers. This includes the full methodology description, author notes, and implementation details.

Pro subscribers also get access to current signals, full backtest history, and the ability to blend this strategy into custom portfolios.

Strategy Rules

Pro subscribers only

  1. 1Allocate 48% to VTI (Vanguard Total US Stock Market)
  2. 2Allocate 24% to VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock)
  3. 3Allocate 20% to BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market)
  4. 4Allocate 8% to VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate — US REITs)
  5. 5Rebalance annually or when drift exceeds threshold

Key Differentiators

Annual rebalancingFixed allocationModerate risk

Research Source

RF

Based on research by Rick Ferri

Ferri, R. All About Asset Allocation (2010)

Strategy Info

Type
Fixed / Strategic
Frequency
annual
Next Rebalance
Jan 409:30 ET (227d)
Variants
1
Risk Category
moderate
Tags
static
Type
Fixed/Strategic Asset Allocation
Trading Frequency
Annual or on-drift rebalancing
Number Of Holdings
4 ETFs
Equity Allocation
72% (48% US + 24% International)
Bond Allocation
20%
Reit Allocation
8%
Risk Level
Moderate to Aggressive

Asset Classes

US EquityInternational EquityUS BondsREITs

Core-4 (Ferri) at a glance

Core-4 (Ferri) is a fixed-allocation portfolio by Rick Ferri across US Equity, International Equity, US Bonds, REITs, rebalanced annual. Backtested 1987-12-31 to 2026-05-20 (38.4 years): 9.3% CAGR, 0.74 Sharpe, -48.3% max drawdown, 13.3% volatility.

Type
Fixed Allocation
Author
Rick Ferri
Rebalancing
Annual
Risk
Moderate
Period
1987-12-31 to 2026-05-20
CAGR
9.3%
Sharpe
0.74
Max Drawdown
-48.3%
Volatility
13.3%

Core-4 (Ferri) Fixed Allocation Portfolio

Rick Ferri's Core-4 portfolio provides broad global diversification with a tilt toward real estate: 48% US stocks (VTI), 24% international stocks (VXUS), 20% US bonds (BND), and 8% REITs (VNQ). With 72% in equities, this is suited for investors with long time horizons.

Backtest Performance (1987-12-31 to 2026-05-20)

MetricCore-4 (Ferri)
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)9.3%
Maximum Drawdown-48.3%
Sharpe Ratio0.74
Sortino Ratio0.91
Annualized Volatility13.3%
Calmar Ratio0.19
Total Return2984.5%
Backtest Period38.4 years

Strategy Details

Type
Fixed / Strategic
Rebalancing
annual
Risk Level
moderate
Variants
1
Author
Rick Ferri
Source
Ferri, R. All About Asset Allocation (2010)

Asset Classes

  • US Equity
  • International Equity
  • US Bonds
  • REITs

Categories

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Disclaimer: BestFolio is an informational tool only and does not provide investment advice, recommendations, or solicitations to buy or sell securities. All strategy signals, backtests, and performance metrics are provided for educational and research purposes. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You are solely responsible for your own investment decisions. BestFolio is not a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or financial planner. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

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