Should I complement my European Permanent Portfolio with a US or Global version?

General Discussion on the Permanent Portfolio Strategy

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frugal
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Should I complement my European Permanent Portfolio with a US or Global version?

Post by frugal »

Hi everyone,

I'm currently based in Europe and have been running a Permanent Portfolio (25% stocks, 25% long-term bonds, 25% gold, 25% cash) with a focus on European assets. So far, it's done its job in terms of stability and low volatility.

However, I'm now wondering if it would make sense to build a second Permanent Portfolio—either focused on the US or on the entire world (global diversification).

Here are some considerations I'm thinking through:

Option 1: Permanent Portfolio USA
✅ Strong historical performance of US equities
✅ Deep bond markets with low-cost ETFs
✅ Dollar exposure as a hedge against EUR weakness
⚠️ Currency risk and possible overlap with gold
⚠️ Managing two portfolios in different currencies may be complex

Option 2: Permanent Portfolio Global
✅ Maximum diversification (geographic + currency)
✅ Broader exposure beyond US/Europe
⚠️ Hard to find global long-term bond ETFs that fit the classic PP idea
⚠️ Higher complexity and potentially more costly to rebalance

Given I already have a euro-based PP, do you think it makes more sense to:

Add a US Permanent Portfolio (accepting some duplication)

Build a more flexible Global version

Or just stick with one PP in euros and maybe add some global stock exposure separately?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts, especially from those who manage international or multi-currency portfolios.


Thanks in advance! :)
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Hal
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Re: Should I complement my European Permanent Portfolio with a US or Global version?

Post by Hal »

frugal wrote: Thu Apr 17, 2025 11:32 am
Option 2: Permanent Portfolio Global
✅ Maximum diversification (geographic + currency)
✅ Broader exposure beyond US/Europe
⚠️ Hard to find global long-term bond ETFs that fit the classic PP idea
⚠️ Higher complexity and potentially more costly to rebalance
Easy to do if you wish. Get a LifeStrategy fund and add 25% Gold. Depending on what funds are available where you live, you may choose to blend a 20/80 fund with a 40/60 to get the 1:2 share/bond allocation.
Eg: For UK. https://www.vanguardinvestor.co.uk/inve ... tegy-funds

Whether you "should" take this approach, I will leave it to wiser forum members than myself!

PS: I use an Australian 30/70 Lifestrategy fund with 25% Gold. Works for me.
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frugal
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Re: Should I complement my European Permanent Portfolio with a US or Global version?

Post by frugal »

Hello 👋🏻

I would prefer

75% EU PP

+

25% US PP



Or something similar.

Waiting your comments


Happy Easter 🐣
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