Portfolio models
Stop building portfolios from scratch
Our M8 Method models give you a proven, ETF-based framework you can put to work and explain to clients with confidence. The Inspire series and our other strategies cover what the five don’t.
What the M8 models are
We run two series of model portfolios, with other strategies beside them. The M8 Method series has five models, from M8 Conservative to M8 Aggressive, running from capital preservation to capital appreciation, and each invests in exchange-traded funds we select. The Inspire series and our other strategies include options such as buffered equity, equal-weight sectors, and quality stocks. An advisor matches a model to a client’s risk tolerance and goals.
Our investment philosophy
Built for consistency, not headlines
The models follow evidence and a set process, not the news cycle. We combine modern portfolio theory, market research, and real-world experience, and we keep emotion out of the decisions. It’s a process that holds up when markets get choppy, and we see a portfolio diversified across asset classes as one of the most important parts of reaching your clients’ financial goals.
The M8 Method series
Pick the model that fits the client in front of you, and we’ll run everything inside it.
Model descriptions as we publish them.
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M8 Conservative Model
The M8 Conservative Model seeks a holistic exposure to fixed-income related securities with the objective of capital preservation and total return. The strategy invests across a diverse range of asset classes, geographies, and sectors, through liquid, low cost, and potentially tax efficient underlying Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) selected by Motiv8 Investments. Participation in this strategy indicates a willingness to assume risk of principal loss.
The M8 Conservative Model seeks a holistic exposure to fixed-income related securities with the objective of capital preservation and total return. The strategy invests across a diverse range of asset classes, geographies, and sectors, through liquid, low cost, and potentially tax efficient underlying Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) selected by Motiv8 Investments. Participation in this strategy indicates a willingness to assume risk of principal loss.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Inspire and other strategies
More ways to fit a client
Five models won’t fit every client you sit down with, which is why we build more than five.
The Inspire series and our other strategies go beyond the five Method models. Here are a few examples of what’s possible. They’re examples, not the full lineup, so ask our team what’s available today.
Defined outcome
M8 Buffer 9% and M8 Buffer 15%
Designed for equity investors who want a cushion when the stock market drops, in exchange for a cap on how much they can gain when it rises. The number in each name is the size of the buffer that model targets, and neither model pays dividends.
Structured protection
M8 Shield-5
Designed for clients who want to stay in the stock market but aren’t willing to risk a deep drop, including retirees looking to lower their risk near or in retirement. Its goal is to limit losses to 5% over a year, with gains capped.
Equal-weight sectors
M8 Market Sector
Designed to spread a portfolio evenly across every sector of the U.S. stock market, so it can take part in a rally wherever one happens while potentially softening the hit when a single sector falls hard.
Quality stocks
M8 Quality 40
A concentrated portfolio built for aggressive growth, holding 40 large U.S. companies chosen for financial strength, profitability, and durable earnings.
Buffers, caps, and loss limits are targets, not guarantees. The underlying funds set their caps and buffers for each outcome period, and they change over time. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
How the models are run
Selected holdings
You don’t have to research every fund yourself, because each Method model invests in exchange-traded funds we select.
Diversified
Each model is built across asset classes, because we see diversification as one of the most important parts of reaching your clients’ goals.
Monitored
You’re not on your own once the account is open: we watch it on an ongoing basis and rebalance when market conditions or a client’s circumstances call for it.
Matched
You know your client best, so you pair each one with a model that fits their risk tolerance and goals, and clients may add written restrictions.
FAQ
Questions about the models
- Two series, with other strategies beside them. The M8 Method series has five models, from lowest to highest risk: M8 Conservative, M8 Conservative Moderate, M8 Moderate, M8 Growth, and M8 Aggressive. The Inspire series and our other strategies go further; examples include M8 Buffer 9%, M8 Buffer 15%, M8 Shield-5, M8 Market Sector, and M8 Quality 40. Ask us what’s available today, and we’ll walk you through it.
- A model built from defined outcome ETFs, funds that aim to absorb a set share of a stock index’s losses over a set period in exchange for a cap on gains, for investors who hold for the full period. Our M8 Buffer 9% and M8 Buffer 15% models are built this way. Buffers and caps are targets, not guarantees, and they change over time. Ask us whether one fits a client you’re working with.
- Exchange-traded funds selected by Motiv8 Investments, across a range of asset classes. The Conservative, Conservative Moderate, Moderate, and Aggressive models also spread across geographies and sectors. Ask us how a model is put together; we’re happy to walk you through it.
- We select the exchange-traded funds in each Method model. We build for consistency, not headlines: modern portfolio theory, market research, and real-world experience, with emotion kept out of the decisions. Questions about a fund in a model? Ask us.
- The advisor gathers the client’s financial information, sets goals, and decides how much risk the client should take. That informs an asset allocation for the client, and a model is matched to that risk tolerance and those goals. Clients may add written restrictions. If you’re unsure which model fits a client, bring us the case.
- No. This website does not publish performance, holdings, or allocations for any model; talk to the team about the models instead. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance, and investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. We’re glad to go through the models with you directly.
Want to see which models fit your clients?
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