Asset allocation exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the best options for DIY investing. The most important aspect is to get invested, but you do need to choose which one to use. Vanguard, BMO, and Blackrock iShares all have their versions. They are very similar but have small differences in their weightings, fees, and taxes. Horizon also has asset allocation ETFs that hold corporate-class funds. These carry some different potential risks and advantages. Compare to help you choose the best Canadian All-In-One ETF for your situation. The most important thing is to choose and get invested, but make an informed confident decision.
Click the image below to go straight to the video. It is time-stamped with different sections. Or click a section of particular interest in the overview to jump straight there.
Video Episode Overview
0:00 – Intro
3:14 – The Big 4 Providers of Asset Allocation ETFs
4:52 – Stock:Bond Allocation of each ETF
6:10 – Net Assets & Daily Volumes of each ETF
11:29 – Underlying Equity Holdings
18:29 – Underlying Bond Holdings
23:40 – TFSA: Fee & Tax Drag Comparison
27:37 – RRSP: Fee & Tax Drag Comparison
28:12 – Personal Taxable Account: Fee & Tax Drag
29:39 – Corporation: Fee & Tax Drag
33:50 – Summary
Loonie Doctor Asset Allocation ETF Articles
Why Use An Asset Allocation ETF (Video)
Asset allocation exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or All-in-One ETFs are some of the best ETFs in Canada for DIY investing. They provide a single investment solution for instant global diversification. Chores like rebalancing for risk management are automated. All that for a low management fee, and either low or no cost to buy and sell. Learn about the evidence behind these products and some of the potential pros and cons compared to other approaches.
Choosing An Asset Allocation Appropriate For Your Risk Level
This is a primer that is part of my Interactive Guide for DIY Investing. It goes through the steps for DIY investing and choosing an asset allocation is one of the most important ones. You can opt to do the quick Vanguard Questionnaire or a more comprehensive assessment.
All-In-One Asset Allocation ETFs
This is part of my DIY Investor Basic Training section. What makes AAETFs great and what are some of the potential drawbacks? How do they fit with your objectives?
These are some of the best ETFs in Canada to use for investing. Find ou more about why I say that.
Comparison of All-In-One ETFs
The most in-depth head-to-head comparison of the most commonly used asset allocation ETFs in Canada. Their size, fees, and composition. There are even tax calculators to compare their fees and tax drag within a TFSA, RRSP, personal taxable, or corporate account. Plus, a deep dive into the Horizon corporate class ETF offering.
Hi Mark: wondering if there is a way to calculate tax drag for a mutual fund held corporately (Mawer global in my case)? I can see the return number but never sure how it compares with the all in ones after calculating drag.
Hey BC Doc,
It is a good question. You would need to know the annual yield of eligible dividends, US div, Non-NA, EMM and interest from the fund. I actually separate them out when my calculators do the FWT calculations. I also deduct the fee after FWT (since taken at source) and before distribution to unit holder. I could probably adapt a calculator to do it since it runs in the background of most. Need to think on it. I simple rough estimate would probably be to try and see which AAETF most closely resembles the asset allocation of the Mawer fund and then adjust for the fee difference.
-LD