The bands for this allocation
Common for investors with a long horizon. The small bond sleeve is the one that moves proportionally fastest.
| Sleeve | Target | Band | Binding rule | Rebalance outside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total US stock market | 80% | 5 points | absolute | 75% to 85% |
| Total bond market | 20% | 5 points | absolute | 15% to 25% |
The tightest band belongs to Total US stock market at 5 points, set by the absolute threshold. Every sleeve sits at or above the 20 percent crossover, so the flat 5 point band governs all of them.
What happens after a strong equity year
Holding the allocation untouched through a stylized year with equities up 30%, bonds down 10%, and real assets flat produces these weights. Nothing was bought or sold; the drift is purely market movement.
| Sleeve | Target | After the move | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total US stock market | 80% | 85.25% | overweight by 5.25% |
| Total bond market | 20% | 14.75% | underweight by 5.25% |
2 of 2 sleeves breach, so a 5/25 policy would trade. Returning every sleeve to target moves about 5.25% of the portfolio.
A breach is not a recommendation: it means an allocation left the range you chose. Transaction costs, spreads, capital gains, wash-sale rules, and new contributions all affect whether acting is worthwhile. These figures are illustrative and use reference weights, not your holdings.
Run your own weights
These are reference targets. Enter what you actually hold to see your own bands, which threshold governs each sleeve, and how much would have to trade.
Open the rebalancing band calculator80/20 Portfolio band questions
What are the 5/25 rebalancing bands for an 80/20 Portfolio?
Each sleeve gets the tighter of a 5 percentage point band and a band worth 25 percent of its own target. Total US stock market at an 80% target trades outside 75% to 85%, Total bond market at a 20% target trades outside 15% to 25%.
Which sleeve of an 80/20 Portfolio triggers first?
Total US stock market has the tightest band at 5 points, governed by the absolute threshold. Every sleeve sits at or above the 20 percent crossover, so the flat 5 point band governs all of them.
Would an 80/20 Portfolio need rebalancing after a stylized year with equities up 30%, bonds down 10%, and real assets flat?
Yes. After a stylized year with equities up 30%, bonds down 10%, and real assets flat, Total US stock market would be overweight by 5.25% and Total bond market would be underweight by 5.25%. Returning every sleeve to target moves about 5.25% of the portfolio.
Bands for other allocations
Drift is one dimension. Check portfolio concentration for what sits inside the sleeves, ETF overlap for funds holding the same companies, and the portfolio risk monitor for tracking all three across connected accounts.