All-In-One ETFs: The Solution for Simple, Virtually Hands-Off, Low-Cost Investing

Melisa R. H. Posted On March 18, 2019

All-in-one diversified ETF portfolios are becoming more available, as all three of the largest exchange-traded-fund providers (Vanguard, BlackRock/iShares and BMO) have launched them in the past year.

They are an excellent way for investors to own a complete portfolio that is diversified while keeping it simple.

If you want to dig further into All-in-One ETFs, MillionDollarJourney has a detailed comparison of Vanguard vs iShares vs BMO.

All-in-one ETFs composition

These ETFs include a batch of global stocks and bonds which are available to anyone with a brokerage account. This is great for those who don’t want to chose individual stocks or sectors, and want a low fee.

The composition of each of these all-in-on ETFs vary, with funds allocated anywhere between 20%-80% in stocks and the rest in bonds, so you can chose the right one depending on your risk tolerance. Additionally, all the funds offered by Vanguard have the same components but in varying proportions of stocks to bonds. BMO and iShare vary in specific holdings, but are similar in their approach. These funds includes Canadian, U.S. and overseas securities in varying proportions.

All-in-one ETFs pros

The simplicity that an all-in-one portfolio brings is a major upside to these funds.

Furthermore, this will reduce some administrative fees and tasks, such as reducing the number of trades, and rebalancing holdings. The fees are relatively low, and make for an easy option for those looking for a simple solution. The management fees range anywhere from 0.18% – 0.22%. This makes them an attractive low-fee investment options, contrary to traditional mutual funds.

All-in-one ETFs cons

One thing to look out for with these ETFs is that if you have a larger portfolio, you might need more flexibility. Furthermore, these funds have a significant amount of fixed income that, if you hold these securities in a taxable accounts, may not be tax-efficient. Last year, XGRO had significant capital gains of 6.84% which would be taxed if you don’t hold it in a TFSA or RRSP.

More about All-in-one ETFs

Canadian Couch Potato has a couple articles on iShares all-in-one ETF portfolios and Vanguards one fund solution. A further side-by-side comparison was published by The Globe and Mail in an article about balanced fund ETFs and diversification.

All-in-one ETFs on Stockchase

There are 5 all-in-one ETFs that have been reviewed by stock experts on Stockchase. 4 from Vanguard and 1 from iShares. Here are the all-in-one diversified ETFs with expert opinions on Stockchase…

Vanguard Conservative Income ETF (VCIP-T)

Vanguard Conservative Income ETF (VCIP-T) — Stockchase

He likes Vanguard and this is a good product. But if you're going to conservative in a low interest-rate environment, you won't make (or lose) much money. That's a caveat.

stockchase.com

Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS-T)

Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS-T) — Stockchase

An ETF for a senior on a fixed income. You need growth without volatility, an asset-allocation ETF. Vanguard has a conservative one, VCNS-T with 60% bonds and 40% stocks, and another one that's 80/20. Caveat: interest rates are so low, so watch the bonds. It pays a 1.5% yield, like a GIC and charges only…

stockchase.com

Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio (VBAL-T)

Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio (VBAL-T) — Stockchase

A 60-40 portfolio. They are theoretically designed to provide a 7% total return. He would recommend investors to look at portfolio returns as a whole. Capital gains is also a component of an investment strategy.

stockchase.com

Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio (VGRO-T)

Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio (VGRO-T) — Stockchase

A balanced ETF for a retiree's income portfolio Vanguard has a few such as VGRO, which automatically rebalance. They're popular, but he doesn't use them. He didn't like their performance in RRSPs. Invest only a portion of your portfolio into such a rebalancing ETF; that's okay. Instead, look at covered call ETFs he recommends, because…

stockchase.com

iShares Core Bal. ETF (XBAL-T)

iShares Core Bal. ETF (XBAL-T) — Stockchase

Not yet. Investors can re-balance their portfolios. If you aimed for one percentage of equities and another for bonds, you can move money to maintain that balance. That is one of the most prudent things people can do. The bottoms are not in yet.

stockchase.com

All-in-one 100% Equity ETF

If you have a profile that justifies having no bonds in your portfolio, you might want to have a look at Vanguard’s VEQ-T which is an ETF that holds other ETFs. It’s an All-in-One 100% Equity Portfolio ETF offering a strong geographical diversification (Canada – US – International and Emerging Markets).

These new All-In-One ETFs, combined with Commission-Free ETFs purchases, are the best way to start investing quickly and build a strong low-cost portfolio.

Do you know other interesting all-in-one ETFs?