What is a multi asset portfolio and how should investors construct one?

A multi asset portfolio holds investments across multiple asset classes, typically including equities, fixed income, real assets, and alternatives, to achieve diversification benefits and smoother return profiles than single-asset portfolios. Construction involves setting strategic allocation targets based on investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon, then selecting appropriate vehicles for each allocation. Multi asset funds provide a managed version of this approach in a single vehicle.

What is a multi asset investment strategy and when does it outperform?

Multi asset investment strategies outperform single-asset approaches most clearly during periods of high inter-asset correlation breakdown, when different asset classes diverge in performance. In extended equity bull markets, multi asset funds may lag pure equity portfolios due to their diversified positioning. In market downturns, the diversification benefit typically preserves capital relative to concentrated equity portfolios.

What does a multi-asset fund invest in and how does it manage risk?

Multi-asset funds invest across multiple asset classes simultaneously, typically including equities, fixed income, cash, and sometimes alternatives including property, commodities, and infrastructure. The fund manager actively manages the allocation between asset classes based on economic conditions, valuations, and risk considerations. By holding assets whose returns are not perfectly correlated, multi-asset funds aim to reduce portfolio volatility compared to single-asset portfolios.

How does a multi-asset fund differ from a balanced fund?

Fidelity offers a range of multi asset funds targeting different risk profiles from conservative to aggressive growth, each with different equity and bond allocation targets. These funds provide professionally managed asset allocation within a single managed fund structure. For comparison purposes, investors should assess total expense ratio, historical return relative to benchmark, and the fund's track record through different market cycles.