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In 10 basic truths about investing, Sarah Riopelle, Vice-President and Senior Portfolio Manager, RBC Global Asset Management, lists asset allocation as one of the most important parts of investing. Asset allocation refers to the ‘weighting’ of different asset classes within your portfolio. When building a portfolio, you can choose a mix of investments from different asset classes: cash and cash equivalents, fixed income and equities, for example. You set the portion or “weight” of each type of investment based on your investor profile and tolerance for risk. 

Here’s a sample asset allocation for an investor. Notice they have just 40% of their portfolio invested in equities. For more growth-oriented investors, who can tolerate more risk, that number would be higher.

Sample portfolio
Fixed Income
Equities
Cash

Market impact on your asset allocation

Market fluctuations can change the value of your investments. Let’s say the equities in that portfolio grow 10% in value over the course of two years. That portfolio is now starting to take on more of a growth-oriented profile.

This change over time is called portfolio drift. It can happen to every investor. Why is it a concern? It can expose you to more risk or less growth than you originally planned. In other words, you’re no longer tracking to your original plan. By rebalancing your portfolio you can correct the drift, and return to your original asset mix. Here’s how it works.

Fixed Income
Equities
Cash

Canadian equities: S&P/TSX Composite Total Return Index. Fixed income: FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index. U.S. equities: S&P 500 Total Return Index.
All performance in C$.

Source: RBC Global Asset Management.

Review the original weights you set for your asset allocation. Then, to bring your portfolio back into balance, you can:

  1. Invest additional funds in any asset class that is underweight.
  2. Sell investments from any asset class that is overweight to free up cash. Then buy investments in any asset class that is underweight.

When to rebalance your portfolio

  • Set a threshold or limit for drift: Some investors rebalance after their asset mix begins to drift more than 1% in any direction. Common thresholds include 1%, 2% or 3%. For example, let’s say your target asset mix is 60% equities, with 40% fixed income and cash. If your equities ever exceed 63% of your portfolio, you could begin to rebalance.
  • Tax-loss selling: If you have a taxable investment account (not an RRSP or other registered account), you may want to rebalance near the end of the year. This allows you to use any losses to offset your gains, which can reduce the taxes owed.
  • Regular reviews: Annually, monthly or quarterly – the timing depends on you and market conditions. If markets are changing a lot, you may need to rebalance more often.

Mind the costs

Rebalancing basically involves buying and selling investments. This may result in sales fees. Also, in taxable non-registered accounts, the transactions may trigger a taxable event.

Tips to make rebalancing simpler

  • Dollar cost averaging: This is where you invest on a regular basis, across all market conditions. You can direct each new investment to help rebalance your portfolio as needed.
  • Professionally managed portfolios: This is a turn-key solution where your asset mix is managed by professional portfolio managers. You choose the type of portfolio that’s right for you and they will correct for drift when necessary.
  • Work with an advisor: Partner with a professional investment advisor to help you determine an asset mix that’s right for you. They can monitor your portfolio to help you stay on track.

Remember: reassess your investment plan if your investment goals, time horizon or risk tolerance change. And sometimes, changes in markets may also prompt you to review and rebalance. Staying informed about the markets and the economy can help you monitor your portfolio drift and determine if and when action is necessary.

Read more about RBC Global Asset Management’s active approach to asset allocation or speak to an advisor to review your current asset allocation.

Disclosure

Last reviewed: January 1, 2023

Please consult your advisor and read the prospectus or Fund Facts document before investing. There may be commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses associated with mutual fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds and PH&N Funds are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada.



This has been provided by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM) and is for informational purposes, as of the date noted only. It is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial or other advice and such information should not be relied upon for providing such advice. RBC GAM takes reasonable steps to provide up-to-date, accurate and reliable information, and believes the information to be so when provided.



Last updated on November 23, 2022

The benefits of rebalancing your asset allocation over time