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2 minutes to read by Eric Savoie, CFA, CMT, Senior Investment Strategist Feb 25, 2025

The first step in constructing a well-diversified portfolio is to establish a base Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA). The SAA provides a recommended asset mix that balances an expected return at an expected level of risk. The SAA provides the “bogey” portfolio that can then be tactically shifted based on shorter-term trends and the market outlook. Building a range of SAA portfolios necessitates formulating long-term assumptions about asset class returns, risk, and correlation characteristics as well as key economic and capital market variables. RBC Global Asset Management’s (RBC GAM) process for handling this complex task is described here.

Multi-model comprehensive approach

RBC GAM employs multiple independent forecasting models from different investment teams within RBC GAM. This approach allows for coverage of more asset classes and helps mitigate some of the risk of bias inherent in a single forecasting model. This provides a multi-faceted view across a wide range of asset classes.

The results from the models are collected, reviewed and discussed by the RBC GAM Longterm Expected Returns Committee to arrive at the expected return assumptions. This committee also examines new asset classes to assess their long-term effectiveness at generating returns, modelling capability and inclusion in the portfolio construction process.

Each model operates independently but shares a common approach of employing forward-looking parameters in the context of historical results and empirical relationships to provide a long-term view on asset classes. The underlying core assumptions, starting points and calculations differ by model. A secondary, yet important, benefit of this approach is that it also recognizes that certain models may be better at forecasting specific asset classes than others, allowing for a broader coverage universe.

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Disclosure

Date of publication: Feb 25, 2025

This document is provided by RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) for informational purposes only and may not be reproduced, distributed or published without the written consent of RBC GAM or its affiliated entities listed herein. This document does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy or to sell any security, product or service in any jurisdiction; nor is it intended to provide investment, financial, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice and such information should not be relied or acted upon for providing such advice. This document is not available for distribution to investors in jurisdictions where such distribution would be prohibited.

RBC GAM is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) which includes RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.), RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc. (RBC GAM-US), RBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited (RBC GAM-UK), RBC Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited (RBC GAM-Asia) and RBC Indigo Asset Management Inc. (RBC Indigo), which are separate, but affiliated subsidiaries of RBC.

In Canada, this document is provided by RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) and/or RBC Indigo, each of which is regulated by each provincial and territorial securities commission with which it is registered. In the United States, this document is provided by RBC GAM-US , a federally registered investment adviser. In Europe this document is provided by RBC GAM-UK, which is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In Asia, this document is provided by RBC GAM-Asia, which is registered with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong.

Additional information about RBC GAM may be found at www.rbcgam.com.

This document has not been reviewed by, and is not registered with any securities or other regulatory authority, and may, where appropriate and permissible, be distributed by the above-listed entities in their respective jurisdictions.

Any investment and economic outlook information contained in this document has been compiled by RBC GAM from various sources. Information obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by RBC GAM, its affiliates or any other person as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. RBC GAM and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions in such information.

Opinions contained herein reflect the judgment and thought leadership of RBC GAM and are subject to change at any time. Such opinions are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be investment or financial advice and should not be relied or acted upon for providing such advice. RBC GAM does not undertake any obligation or responsibility to update such opinions.

RBC GAM reserves the right at any time and without notice to change, amend or cease publication of this information.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. With all investments there is a risk of loss of all or a portion of the amount invested. Where return estimates are shown, these are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a prediction of returns; actual returns may be higher or lower than those shown and may vary substantially, especially over shorter time periods. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Some of the statements contained in this document may be considered forward-looking statements which provide current expectations or forecasts of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Do not place undue reliance on these statements because actual results or events may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Before making any investment decisions, we encourage you to consider all relevant factors carefully.

® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

© RBC Global Asset Management Inc., 2025

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