Asset Allocation ETFs: A Guide to Investing in Canada

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Personal Finance Investments
To the point Asset Allocation ETFs offer a simple solution for diversifying your portfolio in Canada. Discover their benefits, how to invest, and how to choose based on your profile.

Investing in Canada can seem complex, but Asset Allocation ETFs simplify this process. These all-in-one ETFs combine stocks and bonds, offering immediate diversification tailored to your profile. In this guide, you will discover what an Exchange-Traded Fund is, the benefits of Asset Allocation ETFs, how to choose the right products, and where to invest easily in Canada.

ETFs: A Foundation for Beginners

ETFs, or Exchange-Traded Funds, are investment funds traded like stocks on Canadian exchanges. They group multiple securities into a single product, which facilitates diversification.

There are different types of ETFs:

  • Equity ETFs: invest in a collection of company stocks.
  • Bond ETFs: focus on government or corporate bonds.
  • Sector ETFs: target a specific sector, such as technology or healthcare.
  • Commodity ETFs: invest in commodities, such as gold or oil.
  • Index ETFs: track indices, such as the S&P 500 in the United States or the S&P/TSX 60 in Canada.
  • Asset Allocation ETFs: combine stocks and bonds according to a fixed ratio to create an all-in-one diversified portfolio.

ETFs generally offer lower fees, high liquidity, and the ability to invest according to your risk tolerance. They are an ideal foundation for beginners seeking a balanced portfolio.

What is an Asset Allocation ETF?

An Asset Allocation ETF is an all-in-one ETF that groups several investment categories. Typically, it combines stocks and bonds in a single product. This allocation is defined in advance according to the risk profile: cautious, conservative, balanced, growth, or aggressive.

These ETFs allow you to quickly diversify your portfolio without having to purchase several distinct funds. Furthermore, they are managed passively or actively, depending on the provider’s strategy, which influences fees and performance.

Key Benefits

  • Instant Diversification: a single ETF covers multiple asset classes.
  • Simplicity: you avoid managing multiple distinct funds.
  • Low Fees: generally lower than those of mutual funds.
  • Accessibility: tradable on major Canadian brokerage platforms.
  • Automatic Rebalancing: some ETFs adjust asset allocation to maintain your risk profile.

These advantages make Asset Allocation ETFs an ideal choice for beginner investors or those who want a passive and balanced portfolio.

How to Choose Based on Your Profile

  1. Determine your risk tolerance: cautious, conservative, balanced, growth, or aggressive.
  2. Check the composition: proportion of stocks vs. bonds.
  3. Compare fees: the expense ratio varies depending on the provider and management type.
  4. Choose a reliable provider: Canadian institutions or reputable brokers.

By considering these criteria, you will find an ETF suited to your financial goals and investment horizon.

Where to Invest in Canada

You can purchase Asset Allocation ETFs via:

It is recommended to check compatibility with your investment account, such as a TFSA, an FHSA, an RRSP, or an unregistered account.

Asset Allocation ETF Providers in Canada

Once your brokerage account is open and your investment account chosen (TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, etc.), you can select an Asset Allocation ETF.

The choice depends on your investor profile. Some ETFs incorporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria.

Equity-oriented ETFs offer higher growth potential, but they are also more volatile and risky.

In Canada, the main passive Asset Allocation ETF providers are:

  • Vanguard Canada
  • BlackRock Canada (iShares funds)
  • BMO
  • Global X
  • TD

Each offers a range of ETFs adapted to different profiles and objectives, from cautious to aggressive.

Comparison of the Best ETFs 2026

These ETFs offer a good balance of diversification, fees, and accessibility for Canadian investors.

Vanguard Asset Allocation ETFs

Symbol ETF Stock/Bond Ratio Fees
VCIP Vanguard Conservative Income ETF Portfolio 20 / 80 0.25%
VCNS Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio 40 / 60 0.25%
VBAL Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio 60 / 40 0.24%
VGRO Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio 80 / 20 0.24%
VEQT Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio 100 / 0 0.24%

BlackRock Asset Allocation ETFs

Symbol ETF Stock/Bond Ratio Fees
XINC iShares Core Income Balanced ETF Portfolio 20 / 80 0.20%
XCNS iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio 40 / 60 0.20%
XBAL iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio 60 / 40 0.20%
XGRO iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio 80 / 20 0.20%
XEQT iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio 100 / 0 0.20%
GCNS iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio 40 / 60 0.24%
GBAL iShares ESG Balanced ETF Portfolio 60 / 40 0.25%
GGRO iShares ESG Growth ETF Portfolio 80 / 20 0.25%
GEQT iShares ESG Equity ETF Portfolio 100 / 0 0.25%

BMO Asset Allocation ETFs

Symbol ETF Stock/Bond Ratio Fees
ZCON BMO Conservative ETF 40 / 60 0.20%
ZBAL BMO Balanced ETF 60 / 40 0.20%
ZESG BMO ESG Balanced ETF 60 / 40 0.20%
ZGRO BMO Growth ETF 80 / 20 0.20%
ZEQT BMO All-Equity ETF 100 / 0 0.20%

To learn more: BMO Asset Allocation ETFs.

Global X Asset Allocation ETFs

Symbol ETF Stock/Bond Ratio Fees
HCON Global X Conservative Portfolio 40 / 60 0.20%
HBAL Global X Balanced Portfolio 60 / 40 0.20%
HGRW Global X Growth Asset Allocation ETF 80 / 20 0.20%
HEQT Global X Growth Portfolio 100 / 0 0.20%

TD Asset Allocation ETFs

Symbol ETF Stock/Bond Ratio Fees
TCON TD Conservative ETF Portfolio 30 / 70 0.17%
TBAL TD Balanced ETF Portfolio 60 / 40 0.17%
TGRO TD Growth ETF Portfolio 90 / 10 0.17%
TEQT TD All-Equity ETF Portfolio 100 / 0 0.17%

To learn more: TD ETFs.

Bottom Line

Asset Allocation ETFs offer a simple and effective solution for investing in Canada. By combining diversification, passive management, and low fees, they allow you to build a balanced portfolio without complexity. Whether you are a beginner or seeking an all-in-one investment, these ETFs provide a reliable starting point to achieve your financial goals.

FAQ - Asset Allocation ETFs

What is an Asset Allocation ETF?

It is an all-in-one ETF that combines multiple asset classes, such as stocks and bonds, in a single product.

Are Asset Allocation ETFs risky?

The risk depends on the stock/bond ratio and your risk tolerance. Conservative ETFs are less volatile.

Can one invest in an ETF with a small amount?

Yes, most exchange-traded funds trade in accessible units, often less than $100.

Where can these ETFs be purchased in Canada?

Through Canadian bank brokerage platforms or independent platforms, such as Wealthsimple, Questrade, and Qtrade.

Is rebalancing management required?

No, Asset Allocation ETFs perform rebalancing automatically.

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Vincent Morin
Vincent Morin
Vincent achieved financial independence and took early retirement (FIRE) at the age of 35. After a career in financial technology with a major American investment bank, he founded Retraite101, a personal finance website that reaches over 350,000 unique visitors annually and has more than 40,000 social media followers. Passionate about finance, reading, cycling, hiking, and travel, he continues to write for several Quebec media outlets to inspire and motivate those who want to take control of their finances.
All posts by Vincent Morin

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