Midwest Asset Management

Midwest constructs portfolios using third-party mutual funds and exchange-traded funds within separately managed accounts. The firm does not operate its own commingled funds. Allocation and manager selection are driven by the firm's internal quantitative models, and the website emphasizes that 86% of its most-used fund database has outperformed peers over rolling ten-year periods (independently verified, per the firm). The minimum account size is $200,000.

Midwest argues that above-average aggregate fees are the best predictor of future below-average returns, citing an estimate of more than $1.5 trillion in global annual unnecessary portfolio expenses (per the firm, January 2026). The firm claims that many long-term investors lose up to 50% or more of their gains to needless charges while taking 100% of the risk. By capping its own fees at approximately 0.70% on a representative portfolio versus an assumed industry 1.50%, Midwest projects a $1.79 million opportunity gain on a $1 million portfolio over a long-term horizon.

Founder James W. Byrd is the only named principal on the firm's website, suggesting he retains control over investment decisions and portfolio construction. The about page notes that Byrd developed several equity and fixed-income quantitative portfolios over his career, and the firm's process page states that all decisions are made to overcome its three identified barriers to success. There is no public evidence of a separate investment committee, CIO, or additional portfolio managers.

No. Midwest Asset Management operates exclusively in the public securities market, using mutual funds and exchange-traded funds for client portfolios. The firm describes quantitative portfolio management as its only business and makes no reference to private equity, venture capital, hedge fund allocations, direct co-investments, or alternative asset classes.

Midwest Asset Management, Inc. is a for-profit registered investment adviser. The firm identifies as a financial fiduciary and emphasizes that its portfolio construction and monitoring processes are built around objective, statistics-based decision-making. It is incorporated in Wisconsin, with offices listed in Middleton and previously Verona.