All-in-One ETFs, also known as Asset Allocation ETFs, are funds that provide exposure to major asset classes. Instead of buying multiple securities, investors can hold one ETF that combines Canadian, U.S., and international equities and bonds.
In this Q&A with Steven Leong, Head of Canada iShares and Product at BlackRock Canada, he explains what All-in-One ETFs are and how they can help build a strong, diversified portfolio.
What is asset allocation?
All-in-One ETFs can range along a spectrum from conservative to growth. As the equity allocation increases and fixed income allocation decreases, the portfolio’s risk and return potential generally rise.
Asset allocation is the process of deciding how much of your portfolio should be invested in equities (higher risk, higher potential return) versus bonds (lower risk, lower potential return). This decision, which can help form the foundation of a strong portfolio, should be based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment goals.
Why does portfolio diversification matter?
Diversification is one of the best ways to seek a smoother investment experience. As an investor, it means spreading your money across a mix of investments. Why? Different types of investments tend to perform in different ways over time. When some are rising in value, others may be decreasing or maintaining their value. So diversification can help to smooth out your returns.
What are the benefits of All-in-One ETFs?
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Simplicity – For investors, these ETFs offer a simple way to access a diversified portfolio without managing multiple holdings. For advisors, they can use these solutions to streamline portfolio construction and focus more on client relationships and strategic planning.
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Cost-efficiency – With exposure to thousands of securities across regions and asset classes, these ETFs deliver diversification at a low management expense ratio—often around 0.20%¹.
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Automatic rebalancing – Automatic rebalancing ensures allocations remain aligned with the intended risk profile, reducing the need for manual oversight.
All-in-One ETFS - target asset allocations
For illustrative purposes only.
How do iShares All-in-One ETFs work?
It’s important for investors to choose a portfolio that matches their individual needs and risk tolerance. iShares All-in-One ETFs offer a suite of solutions with predefined risk profiles, providing a ready-made template so investors don’t need to build a portfolio from scratch.
Each ETF invests in several ETFs that provides stock or bond market exposure, according to a predefined mix:
- Global Equity (XEQT) : 100% equities
- Growth (XGRO): 80% equities / 20% bonds
- Balanced (XBAL): 60% equities / 40% bonds
- Conservative Balanced (XCNS): 40% equities / 60% bonds
- Income Balanced (XINC): 20% equities / 80% bonds
These ETFs are automatically rebalanced on a regular basis, so the intended allocation stays on target without manual investor adjustments.
1Management Expense Ratio (MER): As reported in the fund's most recent Semi-Annual or Annual Management Report of Fund Performance. MER includes all management fees and GST/HST paid by the fund for the period, and includes the fund’s proportionate share of the MER, if any, of any underlying fund in which the fund has invested.
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