Understanding MyMap
Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Marketing Material
Introduction
So, you've decided you want to invest.
But now you're staring at hundreds of options and thinking... where do I actually put my money?
Do I buy shares in one company? A bunch of companies? Bonds? Something else entirely?
Here's the thing. You don't have to figure all of that out yourself.
That's where multi-asset funds come in. They're designed to take the complexity out of investing by doing the mixing and matching for you.
Definition
Let's start with the basics.
A multi-asset fund is a single fund that invests across a variety of different types of investments, often called "asset classes," to create a more nimble and broadly diversified portfolio.
Think of it like ordering a meal deal instead of trying to build your lunch from scratch. You get a main, a side, and a drink, all chosen to work well together.
The difference is that a multi-asset fund bundles different investments into one package, so you don't have to pick each one individually.
These investments typically include things like:
- Stocks: Shares in companies. These tend to offer higher growth potential over the long term, but their value can fluctuate quite a lot day to day.
- Bonds: Essentially loans to companies or governments that pay interest over time. They tend to be more stable than stocks but usually offer lower returns.
- Cash or cash equivalents: Highly liquid assets in an investment portfolio that provide stability and easy access to funds, meaning the ability to quickly access your money without penalty.
- Alternatives: Investments that can behave differently from stocks and bonds, things like real estate, gold, which we hold to help balance things out.
The fund manager would then decide how much goes into each investment, and actively adjusts the mix based on what's happening in the markets.
Why Does Diversification Matter?
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. That's diversification in a nutshell.
If you invest everything in one company or one type of asset, and it has a bad year, your whole portfolio takes the hit. But if your money is spread across stocks, bonds, and alternatives for example, a dip in one can be offset by gains in another.
This is not a guarantee against losses. Let's be clear on that. But diversification is one of the most widely used strategies for helping to reduce risk.
And the beauty of a multi-asset fund? You get that diversification built in, without having to research and manage dozens of individual investments yourself.
Who Would Choose a Multi-Asset Fund?
Multi-asset funds can be ideal for a range of people, but they're especially popular with:
- Beginners who don't have the knowledge or time to manage a full portfolio
- Investors looking for balanced growth or income without taking on too much risk
- Anyone who wants a "one-stop-shop" solution to investing
By blending various investments, multi asset funds can help smooth out market ups and downs, making them a solid choice for shorter to medium term goals, like saving for a house, or your children’s education.
Risk Levels: Finding Your Fit
Multi asset funds are designed to sit at different risk levels, and this is in recognition of the fact that an investment portfolio that works well for one person may not be the best fit for another.
When deciding on which fund to choose it's important to first define what you're trying to achieve and then identify the best portfolio to get there.
Some funds are more cautious. They'll hold a larger share of bonds and lower-risk assets. These tend to be steadier, but the trade-off is generally lower growth potential over time.
Others are more growth-focused. They'll hold more stocks, which means more potential for higher returns, but also more ups and downs along the way.
Think of it like choosing a ski run. A green run offers a steadier, more predictable journey, while a black run has the potential for a faster descent but can be much more challenging along the way. The right slope, or choice, depends on your personal goals, your timeline, and how comfortable you are with your investment going up and down.
If you're investing for something 10, 20, or 30 years away, you might be comfortable taking on more risk. If your timeline is shorter, a more cautious approach might suit you better.
Most platforms will ask you a few questions about your goals and risk tolerance to help you find the right match. Before investing, it's important to read the fund's offering documents and understand its objectives, risks, and costs. You may also want to consult a financial professional for advice on which multi-asset portfolio might be best for you.
Who looks after my money in a multi asset fund?
When you invest in a multi-asset fund, your money is being managed by a team of investment professionals. These are experts who have a deep understanding of the financial markets and investment strategies. They continuously monitor the market and aim to adjust the fund's investments to achieve the best possible returns while managing risk.
So instead of you having to decide "should I sell my shares and buy bonds this month?", the fund manager does that thinking for you.
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.
Some multi-asset funds are also built using cost-effective building blocks like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and index funds. This keeps costs down while still giving you access to a wide range of investments.
Key Takeaways
So, here's what to remember:
- A multi-asset fund invests across different types of assets like stocks, bonds, cash, and alternatives, all in one fund
- They use diversification to help reduce the likelihood of losing money, but it can’t totally eliminate risk
- Different funds have different risk levels, so choose one that matches your goals and timeline
- They're professionally managed, so you don't have to make every decision yourself
- Multi-asset funds can be ideal for beginners and anyone who wants a simpler approach to investing
- Getting started is simpler than you might think
And here's a quick tip: you can hold a multi-asset fund inside a Stocks & Shares ISA, which means any growth or income is tax-free. If you're not sure what an ISA is or how it works, we've got a whole episode on that too. [Point to corner – insert video button]
To learn more, visit BlackRock's Multi-Asset Investing page. Everything you need is in the description.
Disclaimer
Risk Warnings
Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Important Information
This is marketing material
In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.
Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.
This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer.
© 2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS, and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
What is multi-asset investing?
Multi-asset funds bring investments like shares and bonds together in one fund, helping to spread risk without you having to manage each investment yourself.
MyMap takes this approach, offering ready-made funds that combine different investments. Watch the video to learn how multi-asset investing works and why diversification matters.
Understanding MyMap
Take a closer look at the MyMap fund range and build your investing knowledge along the way. Explore how your money is invested, learn about market ups and downs, or head back to the basics with our investment education.
Take a closer look at the MyMap fund range, including the different types of investments each fund can hold, how they are managed and the different levels of risk across the range.
Market ups and downs are a normal part of investing. Learn why staying focused on the longer term can matter when markets are unsettled.
Explore some of the key principles of investing, including how to spread risk, why costs matter and the importance of thinking long term.
Take a closer look at what’s happening in the markets and how the investment team is positioning the MyMap funds in response.
Build your understanding of investing with simple explanations of the key concepts and what to consider when getting started.
FOR RETAIL CLIENTS
Marketing Material
Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Hello and welcome to our latest portfolio update. We are entering the final straight for 2026, and it has been quite a ride so far! From regional conflicts to rising inflation, there has been no shortage of hurdles, but they have failed to bridle market returns. Moreover, our portfolios have been successful in capturing these strong returns, while our active decisions have helped smooth the journey1. And now, it is once again that time of year where we ask: what’s next?
Looking at the world today, we anticipate three key themes driving markets over the next 6 – 12 months. It is around these trends that we are currently positioning portfolios2.
Our first, and newest, theme is: fundamentals remain strong. After a strong rally at the start of the year we had anticipated that lighter trading might lead to some market jitters over the summer, so we reduced our stock market exposure in June. Those expectations were proven correct, as the market has moved sideways for the past few months. Interestingly however, these subdued returns occurred against a backdrop of strong corporate results. Companies delivered expectation-beating earnings, with profits growing more than 50% year-on-year3.
That suggests that those strong company profits haven’t yet been reflected in their price, and that creates an opportunity for us. As such, we have dialled up our holdings in stocks. We have balanced this by increasing our holding in gold. The precious metal stumbled at the start of the year, but we think that amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainty it makes increasing sense as a portfolio holding.
The second theme is: beyond artificial intelligence. To be clear, we don’t think that AI4 is going anywhere, it has powered market returns over the past few years, and we think that is going to continue. What is likely to changed however, is where the best performance comes from. Our view is that returns will start to broaden beyond the handful of AI winners we have seen so far. Increasingly the companies that support and benefit from the roll-out of AI will start to outperform.
To this end, we retain our tilt towards Infrastructure companies, which we expect to benefit from the significant amount of energy infrastructure investment needed to support AI. In September we introduced a tilt towards Value companies, broadening our exposure into sectors that have underperformed over the past few years which we expect to rebound. Finally, we have removed our preference for Emerging Market stocks, taking profits after the strong performance of our position.
The third theme is: inflation concerns. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupting supply chains since early this year. There is still no clear path forward for its reopening, and demand for energy is likely to rise going into winter. This is likely to keep upward pressure on inflation.
In light of this, we remain selective with the types of bonds we hold. Most notably, we continue to have a preference for shorter dated and inflation-linked government bonds, which we expect to outperform as prices rise. Additionally, we are holding Chinese government bonds which have proven a good diversifier during previous inflation spikes.
If you’d like more detail on our outlook, portfolio changes, or performance, check out the latest Quarterly Update. Thanks for watching!
Risk Warnings
Capital at risk.
The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Important Information
This document is marketing material and will expire 12 months after issue.
In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries (excluding Switzerland): this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.
Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.
This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer.
© 2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS, and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
1 The comments relate to past performance. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results.The comments relate to past performance. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results.
2 There can be no guarantee that the investment strategy can be successful and the value of investments may go down as well as upThere can be no guarantee that the investment strategy can be successful and the value of investments may go down as well as up.
3 Factset analysis of S&P 500 Q2 earnings, 30/09/2026
4 AI = Artificial intelligenceAI = Artificial intelligence
Hear from the MyMap investment team
Markets are always changing. Hear from the investment team behind the MyMap funds about what they’re seeing in the markets, what they’re keeping an eye on and what it could mean for your investments.
