At Eagle Capital Management, LLC, we believe asset allocation is very important as the overall mix of assets may be accountable for a significant portion of Total Portfolio Return over the long run.  It should be addressed with an understanding and knowledge of actual market rates of return over the long run.  The client is involved in the asset allocation decision process and may get a true feeling of the risk/return tradeoffs.  A thorough discussion generally leads to an overall strategic mix of assets with a reasonable range of exposure left up to the investment adviser.