William Bernstein Portfolios: The Portfolio Giant

What is William Bernstein’s portfolio?

William Bernstein’s Portfolios can be built with a few ETFs. They are characterized by thir very broad diversification. William Bernstein is an expert in portfolio construction.

Article contents

How do you build William Bernstein’s portfolios with ETFs?

Here is how you build William Bernstein portfolios with ETFs.

This is the asset allocation for the No Brainer Lazy Portfolio.

  • 25.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 25.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 25.00% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
  • 25.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)

This is just one of many portfolios made by William Bernstein.

We cover 32 ETF portfolios by William Bernstein below.

What is the historical return of William Bernstein’s portfolios?

Portfolio data was last updated on 11th of August 2023, 08:35 ET

NameYear to dateReturn in 202210 year returnCAGR since 1989 (%)Draw DownExpense ratioYield
William Bernstein No Brainer Portfolio8.6-13.487.117.66-27.620.07%1.84
William Bernstein Cowards Portfolio5.24-10.26.017.64-19.930.07%1.94
William Bernstein Four Pillars High Risk Portfolio5.36-11.115.917.76-27.410.11%2.33
William Bernstein Four Pillars Medium Portfolio6.03-10.646.477.55-19.660.06%1.84
William Bernstein Four Pillars Low Risk Portfolio6.57-11.635.546.88-15.910.05%1.71
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam Portfolio4.52-8.686.067.84-21.030.09%2.86
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 100% Stocks11.01-18.839.288.93-37.860.06%2.17
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 90/109.91-17.758.578.66-33.830.06%2.16
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 80/208.81-16.677.858.35-29.790.06%2.15
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 70/307.71-15.67.118.01-25.760.06%2.14
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 60/406.6-14.526.357.64-21.730.06%2.13
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 50/505.5-13.445.587.24-17.70.06%2.12
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 40/604.4-12.364.86.82-13.660.06%2.11
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 30/703.3-11.284.06.37-11.280.06%2.1
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 20/802.19-10.23.185.9-10.20.06%2.09
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 10/901.09-9.122.345.4-9.120.06%2.08
William Bernstein Taxable Ted 100% Bonds-0.01-8.041.494.87-8.270.06%2.08
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 100% Stocks7.31-12.139.219.48-36.950.11%2.42
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 90/106.66-11.378.499.14-33.640.11%2.57
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 80/206.01-10.627.758.78-30.340.10%2.73
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 70/305.36-9.867.018.4-27.030.09%2.89
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 60/404.7-9.16.257.99-23.730.09%3.05
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 50/504.05-8.345.487.57-20.420.08%3.21
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 40/603.4-7.594.77.12-17.120.08%3.36
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 30/702.75-6.833.96.64-13.820.07%3.52
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 20/802.1-6.073.096.15-10.510.06%3.68
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 10/901.44-5.312.275.64-7.210.06%3.84
William Bernstein Sheltered Sam 100% Bonds0.79-4.561.435.11-4.560.05%3.99
William Bernstein Young Yvonne Portfolio3.97-12.526.068.07-20.110.08%2.47
William Bernstein Charlie Cringe Portfolio6.69-11.615.636.87-15.620.05%1.69
William Bernstein Wendy Wonk Portfolio5.36-11.115.917.76-27.410.11%2.33
William Bernstein Between Charlie and Wendy Portfolio6.15-10.616.557.54-19.380.06%1.82
The Rip Van Winkle Portfolio William Bernstein Taxable8.14-14.437.087.69-23.660.10%2.09
William Bernstein The Small Investor Coward Portfolio (SICEI)10.18-16.17.438.12-41.540.12%2.42
William Bernstein The Academic Coward Portfolio (ACEI)4.54-8.997.68.35-38.390.29%3.19
Performance for William Bernstein’s portfolios

Here is what the table is showing you

Year to date: This shows what the portfolio has returned this year starting from the first trading day of the year.

10 Year return: This shows the compounded annualized growth rate over a ten-year period. The current year is excluded from calculations.

CAGR since 1989: This shows the compounded annualized growth rate since 1989. The current year is excluded from calculations.

Expense ratio: This shows the cost of holding the portfolio if you were to construct the portfolio using the proposed ETFs.

Yield: This is the expected dividend yield of the portfolio.

Please note that past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

How does William Bernstein’s portfolios compare to the best portfolios?

Below you can see the returns of the best portfolios that we have benchmarked.

NameSee PortfolioYear to dateReturn in 202210 year returnCAGR since 1989 (%)Draw Down
Ben Stein RetirementComing soon!4.05-18.039.4610.8-35.42
Paul Merriman 4-Fund-PortfolioComing soon!9.22-11.9811.2510.38-35.26
S&P 500Coming soon!17.09-18.1912.5210.28-37.63
Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (25 year old)Coming soon!6.63-13.088.2810.2-36.46
Scott Adams Dilbert PortfolioComing soon!10.87-18.757.010.19-44.88
JL Collins, Simple Path To Wealth, Wealth Building PortfolioComing soon!16.6-19.5112.0810.19-37.0
American Institute of Individual Investors (AAII) PortfolioComing soon!3.74-13.919.710.16-40.85
Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (35 year old)Coming soon!6.57-13.228.3110.08-36.35
Assetbuilder.com Portfolio 14Coming soon!6.95-16.947.599.99-37.91
Balanced Portfolio 90/10Coming soon!14.83-18.8711.039.84-32.78
The 10 Best Performing Portfolios That We Have Benchmarked

Who is William Bernstein?

William Bernstein is an American author, financial theorist, and retired neurologist. He is best known for his work on asset allocation and portfolio construction, and he has written several influential books on the subject, including “The Intelligent Asset Allocator” and “The Four Pillars of Investing”.

Bernstein has also written extensively on financial history, including “A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World” and “Masters of the Word: How Media Shaped History”. He is a co-founder of the investment advisory firm Efficient Frontier Advisors and has served as a consultant to several financial institutions.

Bernstein’s work has earned him a reputation as a leading expert in the field of investment theory and portfolio construction. His approach emphasizes the importance of diversification, risk management, and a long-term perspective. He has been a strong advocate for the use of low-cost index funds and has been critical of the financial services industry for its focus on high fees and active management.

What are some great books by William Bernstein?

I think William Bernstein’s book, The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio, is required reading on investing.

The book written by William Bernstein provides a comprehensive framework for individual investors looking to build and maintain a successful long-term investment portfolio. The book outlines four key pillars of investing that investors should consider:

  1. The theory of investing: This section provides an overview of the principles of investing and explores various investment vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.

  2. The history of investing: This section examines the historical trends and cycles of the financial markets, providing insights into the behavior of the markets and the impact of various economic factors.

  3. The psychology of investing: This section delves into the behavioral and emotional aspects of investing, including the impact of biases, emotions, and cognitive errors on investment decision-making.

  4. The business of investing: This section explores the various financial institutions and investment vehicles available to investors, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and investment advisors.

The book emphasizes the importance of a long-term perspective, diversification, and risk management in constructing a successful investment portfolio. Bernstein also provides practical advice on how to implement the four pillars of investing in practice and how to navigate the complex world of investing.

Overall, The Four Pillars of Investing is a valuable resource for individual investors looking to develop a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of successful investing.

William Bernstein: The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio

The audiobook is especially recommended as the narrator is phenomenal!

Other books that I highly recommended are Rational Expectations: Asset Allocation for Investing Adults

Rational Expectations: Asset Allocation for Investing Adults

The Intelligent Asset Allocator: How to Build Your Portfolio to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk.

The Intelligent Asset Allocator: How to Build Your Portfolio to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk

William Bernstein is one of the first names you encounter when entering the investing world, especially the personal investing world. But his investing principles apply to institutional investing as well.

His book William Bernstein: The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio, is one of the best books on investing you can read.

It is on our list of the very best investing book ever written.


William Bernstein is also one of the very few good guys in investing. He has gone above and beyond in helping the everyday investor to get better returns through a robust investing framework.

What is unique about William Bernstein’s portfolios?

The one thing that William Bernstein focuses on in his portfolios is diversification through many asset classes. He is a self-proclaimed asset class junkie.

Therefore his portfolios display extensive diversification.

In addition to this, William Bernstein is a 360-degree investor, so he takes into account a lot of factors. For example:

  • Asset location (to minimize taxes).
  • Specific asset class to reduce taxes like muni bonds.
  • Your age.
  • Your appetite for risk.
  • Your employer’s fund offerings if you are investing through a 401K.

All this makes William Bernstein shine as a useful guide in all of your investment endeavors.

Finally, he is adamant about facing reality and being very aware of what you can expect of the returns of your portfolios.

William Bernstein’s most famous portfolios are the lazy portfolios.

The two lazy portfolios are the No-brainer portfolio and the Cowards’ portfolio.

You can read more about those specific portfolios in our posts on Lazy Portfolios and 5 Reasons Why A Lazy Portfolio Is Right For You.

If you are interested in learning more about William Bernstein and his investing philosophy, I suggest you pick up one or two of his books. Apart from his book Four Pillars I very much recommend the following two:

One article really isn’t enough to convey all of the investing wisdom contained in William Bernstein’s books.

What is the asset allocation of William Bernstein' portfolios?

Here is how you build all of William Bernstein’s portfolios.

Pie-chart of the high-risk portfolio from William Bernstein's book _The four Pillars of Investing_

William Bernstein’s Cowards Portfolio

  • 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 15.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 10.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 5.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 5.00% REITs (VNQ)
  • 5.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 5.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 5.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 40.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)

William Bernstein’s Four Pillars High-Risk Portfolio

  • 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 10.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 7.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 5.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 7.50% REITs (VNQ)
  • 7.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 7.50% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 10.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 7.50% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 25.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)
  • 2.50% Precious Metals (GLTR)

William Bernstein’s Four Pillars Low-Risk Portfolio

  • 35.00% US Total Stock Market (VTI)
  • 5.00% REITs (VNQ)
  • 10.00% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
  • 50.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)

William Bernstein’s Four Pillars Medium Portfolio

  • 25.00% US Total Stock Market (VTI)
  • 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 10.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 5.00% REITs (VNQ)
  • 10.00% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
  • 40.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)

William Bernstein’s No Brainer Portfolio

  • 25.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 25.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 25.00% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
  • 25.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)

The No-Brainer portfolio is part of the group of Lazy Portfolios.

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam Portfolio

  • 15.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 12.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 9.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 3.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 6.00% REITs (VNQ)
  • 3.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 3.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 3.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 4.20% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 24.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)
  • 1.80% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 16.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 100% Stocks

  • 25.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 20.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 15.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 5.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 10.00% REITs (VNQ)
  • 5.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 5.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 5.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 7.00% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 3.00% Precious Metals (GLTR)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 90/10

  • 22.50% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 18.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 13.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 4.50% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 9.00% REITs (VNQ)
  • 4.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 4.50% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 4.50% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 6.30% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 2.70% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 6.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 4.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 80/20

  • 20.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 16.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 12.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 4.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 8.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 4.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 4.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 4.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 5.60% International Lg Cap Value (EFV)
  • 2.40% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 12.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 8.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 70/30

  • 17.50% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 14.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 10.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 3.50% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 7.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 3.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 3.50% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 3.50% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 4.90% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 2.10% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 18.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 12.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 60/40

  • 15.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 12.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 9.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 3.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 6.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 3.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 3.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 3.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 4.20% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 1.80% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 24.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 16.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 50/50

  • 12.50% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 10.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 7.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 2.50% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 5.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 2.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 2.50% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 2.50% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 3.50% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 1.50% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 30.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 20.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 40/60

  • 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 8.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 6.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 2.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 4.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 2.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 2.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 2.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 2.80% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 1.20% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 36.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 24.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 30/70

  • 7.50% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 6.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 4.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 1.50% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 3.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 1.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 1.50% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 1.50% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 2.10% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 0.90% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 42.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 28.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 20/80

  • 5.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 4.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 3.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 1.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 2.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 1.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 1.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 1.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 1.40% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 0.60% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 48.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 32.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 10/90

  • 2.50% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 2.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 1.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 0.50% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 1.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 0.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 0.50% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 0.50% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 0.70% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 0.30% Precious Metals (GLTR)
  • 54.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade(VCSH)
  • 36.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Sheltered Sam 100% Bonds

  • 60.00% Short-Term Investment-Grade (VCSH)
  • 40.00% TIPS (VTIP)

William Bernstein’s Young Yvonne Portfolio

  • 15.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 12.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 9.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 3.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 6.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 3.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 3.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 3.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 4.20% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 40.00% Total US Bond Market (BND)
  • 1.80% Precious Metals (GLTR)

William Bernstein’s Charlie Cringe Portfolio

  • 35.00% US Total Stock Market (VTI)
  • 5.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 10.00% International Developed Blend (VEA)
  • 50.00% Short-Term Treasury (VGSH)

William Bernstein’s Wendy Wonk Portfolio

  • 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 10.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 7.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 5.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 7.50% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 7.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 7.50% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 10.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 7.50% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
  • 25.00% Short-Term Treasury (VGSH)
  • 2.50% Precious Metals (GLTR)

William Bernstein’s Between Charlie and Wendy Portfolio

  • 25.00% US Total Stock Market (VTI)
  • 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 10.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 5.00 REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
  • 10.00% International Developed Blend (VEA)
  • 40.00% Short-Term Treasury (VGSH)

William Bernstein’s The Small Investor Coward Portfolio (SICEI)

  • 5.00% US Total Stock Market (VTI)
  • 20.00% US Large cap Blend (VOO)
  • 20.00% Small Cap Blend (VIOO)
  • 8.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 7.00% International Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 15.00% International Europe (VGK)
  • 12.50% International Value (EFV)
  • 12.50% International Small Cap (VSS)

William Bernstein’s The Academic Coward Portfolio (ACEI)

  • 25.00% Large Cap Value (VONV)
  • 25.00% Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 25.00% International Value (EFV)
  • 25.00% International Small Cap Value (VSS)

William Bernstein’s The Rip Van Winkle Portfolio Taxable

  • 30.00% US Large Cap Blend (VOO)
  • 15.00% Small Cap Blend (VIOO)
  • 15.00% International Developed Blend (VEA)
  • 20.00% Intermediate-Term Tax Exempt Munis (VTEB)
  • 20.00% Long-Term Tax Exempt Munis (PZA)

Where can I learn more about William Bernstein?

His website The Efficient Frontier details William Bernstein’s many books and a few other resources.

Here ar his many books on Amazon. William Bernstein has written on other topics other than than investing. His book A Splendid Exchange, How Trade Shaped the World is a fantastic inquiry on how trade enabled the modern world.

A Splendid Exchange, How Trade Shaped the World

He has appeared on many financial and investing podcasts, use this search to find them all.

He is one of only three good guys in investing.


Suggestions for your next steps

If you have already committed to a portfolio then maybe you need help maintaining the portfolio. In this case you will find our rebalance worksheet useful.

Rebalancing your portfolio lowers your risk and may provide higher returns in the long run. It is completely FREE.

You can find the rebalance worksheet in our article Here Is The Most Easy To Use Portfolio Rebalance Tool.

What is the name of William Bernstein’s website?

William Bernstein’s website is the Efficient Frontier.

What is the best book by William Bernstein?

The best book is The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio.

What is William Bernstein’s Coward Portfolio?

Here is the Coward Portfolio.

  • 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
  • 15.00% US Large Cap (VV)
  • 10.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
  • 5.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
  • 5.00% REITs (VNQ)
  • 5.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
  • 5.00% Pacific Stocks (VPL)
  • 5.00% European Stocks (VGK)
  • 40.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)