Author holds VOO at 55% as core US large-cap S&P 500 exposure, believing the US has the upper hand due to an extremely business-friendly environment. It serves as the primary equity core of the basket. Main risk implied is US underperformance versus international markets.
Author holds VXUS at 23% for non-US exposure, choosing VOO/VXUS over VT because 40% ex-US is too high. VXUS is framed as a hedge in case the US begins underperforming the rest of the world. Main risk is that US continues to outperform, making the hedge a drag.
Author holds AVUV at 8% as actively managed small-cap value, arguing it is a counterweight to growth/tech hype during risk-off markets. Active management filters out low-quality value stocks unlike passive VBR, and performance since 2019 inception has been phenomenal. Main risk is value underperforming growth.
Author holds AVMV at 8% as actively managed mid-cap value, applying the same reasoning as AVUV but for mid-caps. It provides diversification away from large caps. Main risk is value/mid-cap underperformance.
Author holds VGT at 6% for pure tech exposure to recoup losses from adding VXUS and value funds, arguing tech companies can find new ways to increase profitability over long periods. Author does not expect 20-25% CAGR like the past decade and acknowledges some tech is overvalued. Main risk is overvaluation and lower future returns.