How We Invest
Our Investment Philosophy & Process
Investing at Mill Creek is a customized, disciplined, research-intensive process that includes traditional and alternative assets. Our objective is to design portfolios that deliver equity-like returns with balanced portfolio risk characteristics over the course of a full market cycle. The results of the process serve as a starting point for customization based on our clients’ distinct goals and objectives.
Our Core Beliefs
Guiding Principles for Strategic Asset Management
A Margin of Safety Above All Else
We prioritize brute-force risk management to ensure portfolio survival through extreme market events. By maintaining sufficient portfolio liquidity and aligning with clients' risk tolerance, we aim to mitigate the impact of market downturns.
The Forecasting Hall of Fame has Zero Members
We reject speculative forecasts and instead focus on evidence-based strategies. Our investment decisions are grounded in rigorous research and analysis, rather than unreliable predictions.
Equities Drive Long-Term Returns
While equities offer the potential for long-term growth, we acknowledge the risk of volatility and sustained periods of underperformance. Our investment approach seeks to balance the growth potential of equities with strategies that create balance and manage risk over time.
Diversification is Better than a Free Lunch
We embrace diversification across all spectrums of the portfolio as a fundamental risk mitigation strategy. By spreading investments across different asset classes, geographies, managers, and even positions, we aim to reduce portfolio volatility and preserve wealth over the long term.
Net Returns Are the Only Returns That Matter
We prioritize after-fee and tax-efficient returns to meet specific investor goals and objectives. Our focus is on delivering net returns that align with our clients' financial objectives, rather than chasing headline performance metrics.
Our Investment Process
Driving Success Through a Deliberate Approach
Strategic Asset Allocation
We believe asset allocation and implementation are equal contributors to achieve allocation goals.
Tactical Positioning
We play offense when opportunities present themselves.
Implementation
We invest in diversified portfolios of niche asset managers that meet the due diligence standards we believe will lead to benchmark outperformance.
Customization
No one deserves a cookie-cutter portfolio. We construct portfolios around the specific goals and objectives of our clients.
White Paper
Managing Sequence of Risk Returns
In his latest white paper, Chief Investment Officer Michael Crook explores the sequence of returns risk, which is a “two in a row” problem in investing. It refers to the vulnerability of investment portfolios to extended periods of poor performance.
Read MoreTechnology & Reporting
Operational Excellence is Not Just a Goal—It’s a Strategic Advantage
Harnessing advanced technology and comprehensive investment capabilities, Mill Creek executes on the asset allocation strategy defined for each client. Our platform provides comprehensive reporting functionality, offering deep analytics, consolidated reports, and real-time account monitoring. With Mill Creek’s technology, you gain transparency and accessibility, ensuring you’re always informed and connected.