BLACKROCK FINANCIAL LITERACY

What are multi-asset strategies?

A multi-asset investment strategy can be accomplished by investing in a variety of asset classes – such as stocks, bonds, real estate, credit, or cash – to create a more nimble and broadly diversified portfolio. Multi-asset fund managers make big-picture decisions and balance asset classes to achieve a number of investment outcomes, such as growth, income, or minimizing risk.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

01

Multi-asset investing

A multi-asset investment strategy combines different types of asset classes to create a nimble and broadly diversified portfolio. Multi-asset strategies can help you achieve a number of investment outcomes.

02

Benefits of multi-asset strategies

Multi-asset strategies offer flexibility to meet investment goals with broad options for investing across sectors, and more diversification than other investment strategies.

03

Choosing a strategy

An investment strategy that works well for one person may not be the best fit for another. As with any investment decision, it's important to first understand what you're trying to achieve and then identify the best strategy to get there.

MULTI-ASSET INVESTING

What are multi-asset funds?

Unlike a single asset class, these funds are able to invest across the investment landscape and may include equities, alternatives, bonds, and cash. It’s important to note: multi-asset strategies are not necessarily executed exclusively via multi-asset funds.

What are the potential outcomes of investing in a multi-asset strategy

Multi-asset investment strategies can help you to achieve a number of investment outcomes, such as:
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Growth
For investors seeking long-term capital appreciation at lower levels of volatility than stocks
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Income
For investors seeking cash flow in a risk-aware and diversified manner
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Absolute Return
For investors seeking consistent returns across market cycles with low correlation to traditional stocks and bonds
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Lifecycle
For investors seeking consistent lifelong spending while limiting volatility at retirement
BENEFITS OF MULTI-ASSET STRATEGIES

What are the benefits of multi-asset investment strategies?

Multi-asset strategies offer enormous flexibility to meet specific investment goals, with broad options for investing across securities and sectors. These types of strategies also offer more diversification compared to investing solely in fixed income or equity funds.

Many multi-asset funds are actively managed, which means a portfolio manager and team of investors are using analysis, insights, technology, and tools to make informed investment decisions. Multi-asset fund managers may choose to invest more assets overseas, shift assets from equities to bonds, dial back risk, or seek opportunities in non-traditional asset classes – all with the intention of driving better investment outcomes.

Broad, unbiased opportunities
Portfolios take a global investment approach and leverage a wide set of asset classes, including equites, bonds, cash, and alternatives
Flexible, dynamic portfolios
Portfolios combine multiple investment approaches and nimbly adapt to changing market conditions
Risk-first mindset
BlackRock investors use Aladdin®, our internal risk management system, to make smarter investment decisions

What are some risks associated with multi-asset strategies?

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. It’s possible to choose an objective that may not align with your actual investment goals. For example, you may invest in an aggressive strategy when a more conservative approach might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you take too conservative an approach, it may become more difficult to achieve your long-term goals. Carefully analyze funds and strategies to determine which approach best suits your needs.

CHOOSING A MULTI-ASSET STRATEGY

What multi-asset strategy is best for me?

A multi-asset strategy can be a powerful tool for achieving your investment objectives, but a strategy that works well for one investor may not be the best fit for another. As with any investment decision, it's important to first understand what you're trying to achieve and then identify the best strategy to get there.

You may want to consult a financial professional for advice on which multi-asset strategy might be best for you.

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Why choose BlackRock for multi-asset strategies?

BlackRock offers a wide range of multi-asset strategies to help you achieve your investment goals, no matter what they may be. Our Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions group is designed to deliver outcomes with more precision.

Service

We always serve as a fiduciary to our clients and listen to their needs objectively

Scale

We leverage the full breadth of BlackRock’s experience, expertise, and technology

Innovation

We are constantly evolving and innovating to meet changing client objectives and market conditions

Service

We always serve as a fiduciary to our clients and listen to their needs objectively

Scale

We leverage the full breadth of BlackRock’s experience, expertise, and technology

Innovation

We are constantly evolving and innovating to meet changing client objectives and market conditions

WRAP UP

Multi-asset strategies overview

  • A multi-asset investment strategy combines different types of assets to create a nimble and broadly diversified portfolio.

  • A multi-strategy approach to investing acknowledges that certain asset classes perform better at different times. This nimble approach theoretically generates a more consistent stream of returns.

  • Multi-asset strategies offer the flexibility investors need to achieve a number of investment outcomes, such as growth, income, or minimizing risk. These types of strategies also offer more diversification compared to investing in a single asset class.

  • At BlackRock, we serve as a fiduciary and every investing decision we make is made in the best interests of our clients. Our investing teams are well versed in making informed investing decisions.

  • A multi-asset class is an investment approach that combines asset classes, such as cash, equities, or fixed income.

  • Multi-asset funds are investment funds that can invest across the investment landscape and may include stocks, bonds, and cash.